When you’re looking for approaches to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Macon.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Air Temperature Control is a straightforward job if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats run on 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 might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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 check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden inside 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 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 replace it.

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 a match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume very little power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like Air Temperature Control install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Depend on Air Temperature Control for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Air Temperature Control, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 478-202-3170. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if needed.