When you’re looking for methods to decrease heating and cooling bills, installing a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices pick up on the temperatures you like and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. 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 out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Lexington.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of James Heating & A/C, Inc is a simple task if you have a more modern house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require 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 ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off 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 pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked 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 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 isn’t right 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 might work for you.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like James Heating & A/C, Inc 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.
Rely on James Heating & A/C, Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At James Heating & A/C, Inc, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility expenses low. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 336-853-6070. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.