Question on Smart Thermostat Wiring

https://blogfreely.net/galimelfxx/comfort-experts-on-refrigerant-leaks-and-ac-repair-for-north-fort-worth-systems

Question on Smart Thermostat Wiring Our older thermostat only has four wires and no C wire. The smart model I bought says it needs one. Is an adapter safe to use, or does that cause problems with the AC down the road? Trying to avoid a wiring mistake