When you’re looking for ways to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Marshfield.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of House of Heating Incorporated is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 won’t work and you don’t want to replace it.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the most popular 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 very little power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like House of Heating Incorporated put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust House of Heating Incorporated for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At House of Heating Incorporated, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 715-384-3163. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.