When you’re seeking approaches to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices pick up on your temperature preferences and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Greensburg.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Wallpe Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern home. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out 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?
Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many have to have 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 ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and check 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 often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 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 needs.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Wallpe Heating & Cooling 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 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 Wallpe Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Wallpe Heating & Cooling, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills low. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 812-663-7252. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if needed.