When you’re looking for ways to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 Bloomfield.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Stanford Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the proper thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to use a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible 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 might work for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Stanford Heating & Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Stanford Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Stanford Heating & Cooling, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 812-825-8695. We can help you select the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if required.