When you’re wanting approaches to decrease heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on 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 provider in Greensburg.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Wallpe Heating & Cooling is a simple job if you have a newer house. But what if your home 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 pick the right thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 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 might be an option for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume not a lot of power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Wallpe Heating & Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with 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 cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 812-663-7252. We can help you select the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.