When you’re wanting ways to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart 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 change and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Litchfield Park.)
In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Cooler Tymes LLC is a straightforward job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.
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 find that many need 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 determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off 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 pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden in 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.
- 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 install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring isn’t right 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 could be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require minimal power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Cooler Tymes LLC 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 constantly drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Cooler Tymes LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Cooler Tymes LLC, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 623-208-6444. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.