Venstar

Venstar was founded in 1992 and built its business in Southern California, where the company remains headquartered in Chatsworth. Over more than three decades, Venstar grew into one of the largest thermostat suppliers in North America, with more than 10 million units installed. Daikin acquired Venstar in December 2022, adding the company's controls and energy management lineup to Daikin's broader HVAC portfolio. Alongside thermostats sold under its own name, Venstar has long supplied OEM controls to other recognized HVAC brands.

Product Lines

Venstar's residential lineup centers on the ColorTouch and Explorer series. ColorTouch models, including the T7850 and T7900, use a full color touchscreen with built-in Wi-Fi, while Explorer models such as the T3700 through T4900 offer a more affordable digital thermostat with Wi-Fi and voice control compatibility. Commercial ColorTouch models, including the T8850 and T8900, add features like 365-day holiday and vacation scheduling for business environments. The Explorer Mini was named Energy Efficient Product of the Year by the Consumer Technology Association, reflecting the line's focus on affordable connected controls.

Why Contractors Specify Venstar

A tiered product line lets a contractor quote a thermostat that fits the job, from budget-conscious Explorer models to full-featured commercial ColorTouch units. Wi-Fi and voice control compatibility with platforms like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa gives homeowners remote access without requiring a proprietary hub. Compliance with codes such as IECC 2015/2018 and Title 24 simplifies inspections in jurisdictions with strict energy requirements. Long-standing OEM relationships across the HVAC industry also mean Venstar hardware and wiring conventions are familiar to most service technicians.

How to Choose Venstar Products

Matching a thermostat to the equipment being controlled comes first: staging requirements for heat pumps, dual fuel systems, or straight cool equipment determine which ColorTouch or Explorer model applies. Commercial applications, such as offices or schools, generally call for ColorTouch commercial models with extended scheduling and access restrictions, while single-family homes are typically well served by Explorer or residential ColorTouch models. Connectivity needs matter too; if voice control or remote scheduling through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is wanted, confirming Wi-Fi compatibility on the specific model avoids a return trip. Local code requirements, including IECC or Title 24 compliance, should also be checked before finalizing a model for new construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Venstar's ColorTouch and Explorer thermostat lines?

ColorTouch models offer a full color touchscreen interface and are available in both residential and commercial versions, while Explorer models provide a more affordable digital thermostat with Wi-Fi and voice control support.

Do Venstar thermostats work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa?

Explorer series thermostats are built with voice control compatibility for both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Are Venstar commercial thermostats different from residential models?

Commercial ColorTouch models, such as the T8850 and T8900, add features like extended holiday and vacation scheduling that suit office buildings and schools rather than single-family homes.

Is Venstar still an independent brand after the Daikin acquisition?

Venstar continues to operate under its own name and product lines following Daikin's acquisition of the company in December 2022.

Are Venstar thermostats compliant with energy codes like Title 24?

Select Explorer models are built to meet IECC 2015/2018 and Title 24 compliance requirements, which is worth confirming against local code before installation.