When you’re wanting approaches to lower heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 Thedford.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward job if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out 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?
Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have 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:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and find the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 put in new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a fit for you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to run on not a lot of power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Taylor's Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 519-296-4437. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if necessary.