When you’re wanting methods to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Marshfield.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of House of Heating Incorporated is a simple job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring isn’t right and you don’t want to put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be an option for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need minimal power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like House of Heating Incorporated add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on House of Heating Incorporated for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At House of Heating Incorporated, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 715-322-0009. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.