When you’re wanting methods to reduce utility expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from almost 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 company in Bloomfield.)
In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Stanford Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer residence. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the proper thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many 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. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
- 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden inside 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 install new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a fit for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to require very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Stanford Heating & Cooling put in 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 includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Stanford Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Stanford Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking approaches to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills low. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 812-825-8695. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if required.