When you’re wanting approaches to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Macon.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Air Temperature Control is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern home. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to replace it.
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 match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Air Temperature Control 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 always drained.
ecobee is compatible 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.
Trust Air Temperature Control for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Air Temperature Control, we’re always looking for approaches to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 478-202-3170. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if required.