When you’re seeking approaches to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Greensburg.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Wallpe Heating & Cooling is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch 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 thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden within 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 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 match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to need very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Wallpe Heating & Cooling install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on 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 utility costs reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 812-663-7252. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if needed.