A smart thermostat is the cheapest HVAC upgrade you can make in Sacramento — and the easiest one to install wrong. Here's the field guide our techs use.
The 3 we install the most
- Ecobee Premium — best all-around, remote room sensors are the killer feature for two-story homes
- Google Nest Learning — cleanest interface, best if you're already in the Google/Home ecosystem
- Honeywell T10 Pro — best for zoned systems and multi-stage equipment
Compatibility check before you buy
- Confirm you have a C-wire (most Sacramento homes built after 2000 do)
- Heat pumps need thermostats with O/B terminals — not every model qualifies
- Multi-stage or dual-fuel systems need a thermostat that supports staging
- Zoning boards limit which thermostats will work — check the board model first
SMUD rebates you might qualify for
SMUD offers rebates for ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats when installed correctly. We handle the paperwork on any install we do.
What people get wrong installing them
- Wiring an old 2-wire system without adding a C-wire adapter (thermostat resets constantly)
- Setting aggressive setbacks that make the system short cycle
- Placing the thermostat in direct sunlight or near a supply vent
- Leaving factory schedules that don't match Sacramento's peak-rate hours
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a C-wire?+
Almost always yes. If you don't have one, we run one during install.
Can a smart thermostat really save 15%?+
Only if it's set up correctly, has schedules that match SMUD peak rates, and your ductwork isn't leaking.
Do you install customer-supplied thermostats?+
Yes — flat-rate pro install with wiring verification and system testing.
Related posts
October 22, 2026 · In-depth guide
Furnace Won’t Start? Sacramento Repair Calls
Your furnace will not start as the first valley cold snap arrives, and you are deciding whether another reset is worth it or whether to call. Check the thermostat, power and filter without opening the cabinet; if it stays silent or trips again, arrange furnace repair.
Continue reading Furnace Won’t Start? Sacramento Repair CallsOctober 19, 2026 · In-depth guide
No Heat at Night? Call Sacramento Emergency HVAC
The heat has stopped tonight, and you need to decide whether it is safe to wait or time to call for emergency service. If there is gas, smoke or a carbon monoxide alarm, leave and call emergency services; otherwise contact Perma to discuss the no-heat problem.
Continue reading No Heat at Night? Call Sacramento Emergency HVAC