When you’re looking for approaches to lower heating and cooling costs, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices adjust to your temperature preferences and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting 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 New Castle.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Central Heating & Plumbing is a straightforward process if you have a new home. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.
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 may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off 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’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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 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 you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to need very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Central Heating & Plumbing 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 always drained.
ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust Central Heating & Plumbing for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Central Heating & Plumbing, we’re always looking for ways to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility expenses inexpensive. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 724-401-1843. We can help you select the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.