Professional Thermostat Installation & Repair in Pinellas Park

Smart or programmable thermostat: which should I choose?

Both can save energy if you use them. The difference is how much they do for you.

A smart thermostat suits you if you travel, own a seasonal home, or want alerts when the house gets too hot. It's also useful if you're watching over an older relative's home. A programmable model suits you if you're home on a steady schedule and want something simple.

Popular options include Nest, ecobee and Honeywell models; we install all major brands and help you pick one compatible with your system.

What thermostat setting is best for humidity in Florida?

For most Pinellas Park homes, 76–78°F when you're home is a good balance of comfort and cost, with the fan on AUTO. Don't set the temperature too low in mild weather: the AC will hit the target quickly and stop before it removes moisture. If your thermostat has a dehumidify or "overcool" feature, it can run the AC a little longer to dry the air.

The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30–50%. A thermostat with a humidity reading lets you watch that number.

Should my AC fan be ON or AUTO in Florida?

AUTO. Florida Solar Energy Center research is clear on this:

• In one FSEC study, running the fan continuously re-evaporated about 19% of the moisture the coil had just removed, and moisture removal dropped by as much as 44% in one test (FSEC-PF-118-87).
• A later FSEC study found homes held around 50% relative humidity with the fan on AUTO, but 60–65% with a constantly running fan, at the same 77°F setting (FSEC-PF-443-08).

With the fan on AUTO, water on the coil drains away between cycles. With it ON, the fan blows that water back into your home. FSEC recommends AUTO for hot, humid climates like ours.

How is smart thermostat installation done?

1. Check compatibility. We confirm the thermostat works with your system: single-stage AC, heat pump, strip heat or multi-stage.
2. Check the wiring. Many smart thermostats need a C-wire (common wire) for constant power. If you don't have one, we can run a new wire or install an adapter.
3. Set the O/B reversing valve. Heat pumps need this set correctly, or the system will heat when you ask for cooling.
4. Configure heat strips so they only come on when needed.
5. Set up the schedule, Wi-Fi and app, and show you how to use it.
6. Test heating, cooling and the fan.

Getting the wiring right matters. A wrong connection can damage a control board, and a mis-set heat pump thermostat can run up your bill with emergency heat.

Do you repair thermostats?

Yes. Common thermostat problems include:

• Blank screen: dead batteries, a tripped breaker or float switch, or a blown fuse on the control board.
• AC won't turn on: wrong mode, wiring problems or a failing thermostat.
• Wrong temperature reading: poor location or a failing sensor.
• Short cycling: settings or placement.
• Heat pump stuck in heat or cool: O/B setting or wiring.

A thermostat problem can look like an AC failure, so we test both. If it's the AC, see AC repair.

What does thermostat installation cost?

Market estimates for installed thermostats in the Tampa area run about $150–$600, averaging around $325, depending on the model and wiring (floridahomecosts.com Tampa thermostat cost guide, updated May 2026). A humidity-control thermostat can cost more; one Tampa contractor's price book lists $599–$899. These are estimates, not quotes. Adding a C-wire or upgrading wiring can add to the cost; we explain the price before work starts.

Where should a thermostat be placed?

On an interior wall, about 5 feet off the floor, in a room you actually use. Keep it away from:

• Direct sunlight and windows.
• Supply vents blowing on it.
• Kitchens and other heat sources.
• Exterior walls and doors.

A badly placed thermostat makes the system run too much or too little. Moving one is a small job we can do at installation.

See also: heat pumps and indoor air quality.

Thermostat installation: call (727) 761-8873.