When you’re wanting ways to reduce utility bills, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. 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 adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Branchville.)
In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. is an uncomplicated task if you have a more modern residence. But what if your house 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 recommended thermostat and get energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
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 look at 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 typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 designed 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 install 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 match for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to need not a lot of power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. install 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 is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc., we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses low. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 862-345-6896. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even add new wiring if needed.