Thermostat not working — or ready to upgrade? We install and program all major brands
A thermostat is the control center of your entire HVAC system. When it fails, nothing works. When it’s working but outdated, you’re spending more than you need to. Here’s what to know about the four main smart thermostat brands — and why we recommend Sensi for most Las Vegas homes.
- Standard thermostat: $280 installed — any brand, same price
- Smart thermostat: $620 installed — includes programming
- We supply the thermostat — you don't need to buy one first
- Clubb 33 members pay $0
What Does a Thermostat Actually Do?
The thermostat sends low-voltage control signals that tell your entire HVAC system when to run and when to stop.
Every action your HVAC system takes starts with the thermostat. When the temperature in your home rises above the setpoint, the thermostat sends a 24-volt signal through the Y wire to the contactor coil in the outdoor unit — energizing it, closing the contacts, and starting the compressor and condenser fan. A separate signal on the G wire starts the indoor blower. When the setpoint is reached, the thermostat drops those signals, the contactor opens, and everything shuts down.
Modern smart thermostats add Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, scheduling, and energy reporting on top of that fundamental control function. But underneath every Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, and Sensi is the same basic low-voltage control circuit that’s been running residential HVAC systems for decades. The intelligence is in the software — the control fundamentals are the same.
A failed thermostat can cause the system to not turn on at all, to run continuously without shutting off, or to behave erratically. Dead batteries are the first thing to check before calling for service — a blank thermostat display doesn’t always mean a failed thermostat.
Flat-Rate Pricing
We supply the thermostat and install it. You don’t need to buy one first and bring it to us — we carry both standard and smart thermostats on every truck. Both prices include the thermostat, full installation, wiring, and programming.
Standard Thermostat
Digital non-smart replacement
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Clubb 33 $0
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Thermostat supplied and installed
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5-year warranty
Smart Thermostat
Wi-Fi, app control, scheduling
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Clubb 33 $0
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Thermostat supplied and installed
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Full programming and Wi-Fi setup
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5-year warranty
Clubb 33 — both standard ($280) and smart ($620) thermostat replacements are $0 for members.
$3,000 repair credit per visit. Join at VegasAC.com/clubb-33 — $33/month.
Why We Recommend Sensi
Sensi is made by Copeland — the same company that makes the compressors inside most of the AC systems we service.
Most smart thermostats are made by consumer electronics companies. Nest is a Google product. Ecobee is a Canadian tech company. Amazon makes a budget thermostat. These are all good products built by engineering teams that specialize in software and hardware electronics.
Sensi is different. Sensi is made by Copeland — the same company that manufactures Copeland scroll compressors, the most widely used compressor in residential and commercial HVAC in the world. Copeland also makes White-Rodgers controls, valves, and HVAC system components. Their HVAC engineering background is over 100 years deep. When Copeland designs a thermostat, it’s built by people who understand the equipment it’s controlling at a fundamental level.
That background shows up in real-world use. Sensi thermostats are designed to work correctly with the full range of HVAC equipment — including heat pumps, dual-fuel systems, and multi-stage systems — in a way that reflects genuine understanding of HVAC control sequences. Temperature accuracy, scheduling reliability, and system compatibility are all areas where Sensi consistently performs well because the people who built it understand what happens when the thermostat sends a signal.
What this means for you:
When we recommend a Sensi we're recommending a product made by the same company that builds core HVAC components — not a tech company that designed an app first and then figured out the wiring. That's a meaningful difference for a part that controls your entire comfort system.
Sensi thermostats are also ENERGY STAR certified and can reduce annual HVAC energy costs by approximately 23% compared to a held setpoint of 72°F.
The Four Main Brands Compared
Here’s an honest breakdown of the four brands we work with most often. Every one of them is a solid product — the right choice depends on your priorities, your home’s wiring, and how you use your phone.
Sensi ★ Orange Air Recommended
Made by Copeland (the same company as Copeland compressors)
Our recommendation for most Las Vegas homes
Sensi thermostats are built by HVAC industry professionals, not consumer electronics engineers. The Sensi Touch 2 — their flagship model — offers a color touchscreen, full scheduling, Wi-Fi app control, room sensor support, filter reminders, and smart alerts. It is ENERGY STAR certified and compatible with the vast majority of 24V residential systems including heat pumps. C-wire required.
Strengths:
✔ Built by Copeland — over 100 years of HVAC engineering behind it
✔ ENERGY STAR certified — up to 23% energy savings vs a held setpoint
✔ Traditional footprint — no painting or patching the wall after install
✔ Straightforward app — does what it should without unnecessary complexity
✔ Room sensor support on the Touch 2 model
✔ Smart alerts — notifies you if temperatures go extreme, filter reminders built in
✔ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
✔ Strong HVAC compatibility across conventional and heat pump systems
Limitations:
- C-wire required on most models
- Less name recognition than Nest or Ecobee among homeowners
- Fewer third-party integrations than Nest or Ecobee
Typical price range: $150 – $200
Orange Air installs and programs Sensi thermostats. We carry them on every truck.
Nest
Made by Google
Most recognized brand — best for Google ecosystem households
The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is the most recognizable smart thermostat on the market. Google’s flagship thermostat features a large color display, learning capability that adjusts to your schedule over time, geofencing, and deep integration with Google Home. The 4th generation added a 60% larger display and AI-assisted schedule optimization. Nest typically does not require a C-wire due to an internal power-sharing system.
Strengths:
✔ Learning capability — adapts to your schedule automatically over time
✔ Sleek, polished design — widely considered the best-looking thermostat
✔ Often works without a C-wire using built-in power sharing
✔ Deep Google Home integration
✔ Geofencing — adjusts temperature when you leave or return
✔ Saves approximately 12% on heating and 15% on cooling on average
Limitations:
- Highest price point of the four brands
- Designed for Google ecosystem — less ideal if you use Apple HomeKit primarily
- Learning feature requires time to adjust — initial weeks may feel inconsistent
- No local network control — everything routes through Google servers
- Some users report the interface is less intuitive than competitors
Typical price range: $200 – $280
We install and program Nest thermostats. Customer may supply or we can source.
Ecobee
Made by Ecobee (Canadian company)
Best for multi-room temperature management
Ecobee’s strength is room sensors. The Ecobee Enhanced and Premium models include or support SmartSensors that measure temperature in different rooms — the system then averages the readings from occupied rooms to determine when to run. In a two-story Las Vegas home where upstairs and downstairs temperatures differ significantly, Ecobee’s multi-sensor approach can meaningfully improve comfort. Ecobee includes a Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-wire. Compatible with 90% of 24V HVAC systems.
Strengths:
✔ Room sensor support — averages temperatures across multiple zones
✔ Power Extender Kit included — works in homes without a C-wire
✔ Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa
✔ Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
✔ Premium model includes built-in air quality monitoring
✔ Saves up to 26% on heating and cooling vs a held setpoint
Limitations:
- Higher price than Sensi and Honeywell
- Room sensor concept requires some configuration to work as intended
- App scheduling uses “comfort zones” which has a learning curve
- Glass face shows fingerprints easily
- Premium features add cost that not all homeowners need
Typical price range: $170 – $270
We install and program Ecobee thermostats. Customer may supply or we can source
Honeywell Home
Made by Resideo (Honeywell’s spun-off home division)
Widest system compatibility — best for older or non-standard HVAC
Honeywell Home is one of the most established names in thermostat manufacturing. The Honeywell T9 and T6 Pro are solid performers with wide HVAC system compatibility — including older systems, two-stage systems, and equipment that some other smart thermostats have difficulty with. The T9 supports up to 20 room sensors for multi-zone management. Honeywell often includes a C-wire adapter with their thermostat kits. Price range is competitive. Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Strengths:
✔ Widest compatibility — works with older and non-standard HVAC systems
✔ Long track record in thermostat manufacturing
✔ T9 supports up to 20 room sensors
✔ Often includes C-wire adapter in the box
✔ Range of models from budget to feature-rich
✔ Simple, traditional interface — easy to use without a tech background
Limitations:
- Honeywell’s home division (Resideo) is separate from the industrial Honeywell brand — some consumer confusion
- Interface not as polished as Nest or Ecobee
- App is functional but not the most refined
- Does not support Apple HomeKit on most models
Typical price range: $130 – $220
We install and program Honeywell Home thermostats. Customer may supply or we can source.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Quick reference for the four brands. Kristian: this can be designed as a visual comparison chart on the website.
| Feature | Sensi ★ | Nest | Ecobee | Honeywell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer background | HVAC industry (Copeland) | Consumer tech (Google) | Consumer tech | Home controls (Resideo) |
| Price range | $150–$200 | $200–$280 | $170–$270 | $130–$220 |
| C-wire required | Yes on most models | Usually not required | PEK included for no C-wire | Adapter often included |
| Learning capability | Schedule-based | Self-learning AI | Schedule-based | Schedule-based |
| Room sensors | Yes (Touch 2) | Yes (sold separately) | Yes (included/sold sep.) | Yes (T9, up to 20) |
| Apple HomeKit | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited |
| Google Home | Yes | Native | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Energy savings estimate | ~23% | ~12–15% | ~26% | ~10–15% |
| Orange Air recommendation | ★ Recommended | Good choice | Good for multi-room | Good for older systems |
Signs Your Thermostat Has Failed
| What you notice | What it likely means |
|---|---|
| Display is blank or unresponsive | Check batteries first — dead batteries are the most common cause of a blank thermostat. If fresh batteries don't help, the thermostat itself may have failed or the C-wire (if required) may have an issue. |
| System won't turn on despite correct settings | The thermostat may not be sending the Y signal to the contactor. Could be a failed thermostat, a broken wire, or a 24V transformer issue. We diagnose the full control circuit before replacing the thermostat. |
| System runs continuously and won't shut off | The thermostat is sending a constant Y signal even when the setpoint is reached. Failed control relay inside the thermostat. Set the system to OFF — not just a higher temperature — and call us. |
| Temperature swings wildly — overshoots set point | Thermostat is failing to hold the setpoint accurately or the temperature sensor inside has drifted. Can also indicate a calibration issue on a smart thermostat. |
| App shows offline or thermostat won't connect | Wi-Fi module has failed on the smart thermostat, or the C-wire powering the thermostat has an issue. Check your router and power cycle the thermostat first. |
What's Included in Every Thermostat Installation
- Diagnosis first — confirm the thermostat is the issue before recommending replacement
- Compatibility check — verify the new thermostat works with your specific system wiring and configuration
- C-wire assessment — check if a C-wire is present and whether the new thermostat requires one
- Old thermostat removed — wires labeled before removal to ensure correct reconnection
- New thermostat installed and wired — all terminals connected to correct wires per the wiring diagram
- Full programming — heating and cooling setpoints, schedule, fan settings, and system type configured correctly
- Wi-Fi and app setup (smart thermostats) — connected to your home network and paired to the app before we leave
- System verification — confirm heating and cooling both respond correctly to the new thermostat
- 5-year warranty on the installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you recommend Sensi over Nest or Ecobee?
Because Sensi is made by Copeland — the same company behind Copeland scroll compressors, which are the most widely used compressors in residential HVAC. Copeland has over 100 years of HVAC engineering experience. When a company that builds the core mechanical components of an AC system designs the control device, the result is a thermostat built around genuine HVAC knowledge — not consumer electronics assumptions. Nest and Ecobee are excellent products, but they're built by tech companies. Sensi is built by an HVAC company.
Can I supply my own thermostat?
Yes. If you already own a Nest, Ecobee, or another brand you'd like installed, we'll install and program it for the standard thermostat installation price. We verify compatibility with your system before we start.
Do I need a C-wire for a smart thermostat?
Most smart thermostats require a C-wire (common wire) for continuous power. Many Las Vegas homes already have one run — especially if a digital thermostat was previously installed. Nest can often work without a C-wire using its internal power-sharing system. Ecobee includes a Power Extender Kit for no-C-wire situations. Sensi requires a C-wire on most models. We check your existing wiring during the visit and advise you before choosing a model.
Will a smart thermostat actually save me money?
In most homes, yes. The savings come from scheduling — not cooling to 72°F all day while you're at work, and pre-cooling before you get home instead. ENERGY STAR estimates around 10–23% in energy savings depending on the thermostat and how consistently you use its features. In Las Vegas where cooling costs are significant, even a 10% reduction on a summer electric bill is meaningful. The thermostat pays for itself within a season or two in most homes.
What if my old thermostat is a simple digital model, not a smart thermostat?
A standard digital thermostat replacement costs $280 installed — that covers any non-smart digital thermostat we carry. If you want to upgrade to a smart thermostat at the same visit, the difference is $340 ($620 minus $280). Either way we handle everything — supply, install, wire, and program.
How long does a thermostat installation take?
Most thermostat replacements are completed in under an hour. Smart thermostat installations with app setup and full programming typically run 1 to 1.5 hours. We don't leave until the system is verified working correctly with the new thermostat.
Thermostat not working — or ready to upgrade? Call or text now
702-604-8092
Standard thermostat: $280. Smart thermostat: $620. Both include the thermostat, installation, and programming. Clubb 33 members pay $0.