When you’re seeking approaches to reduce heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your temperature preferences and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Alliance.)
In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces is an uncomplicated task 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 figure out the process so you can choose the proper thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have 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 determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off 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’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 often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 use 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 install new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a match for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to need very little power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Jack's Heating, Cooling, Stoves & Fireplaces, we’re always looking for approaches to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 308-321-4703. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if needed.