When you’re seeking methods to decrease heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in New Castle.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Central Heating & Plumbing is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your house 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 select the right thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat might 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.
- Remove 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 wondering 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. Check the C wire isn’t tucked in 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 specifically 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 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 fit for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require 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 Central Heating & Plumbing 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 taken care of 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 methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing 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 home and even put in new wiring if necessary.