When you’re wanting methods to decrease heating and cooling expenses, installing a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch 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 receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Columbus.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer home. But what if your residence 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 select the recommended 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 use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut 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’s required 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 nearly there. Check 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to put in new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might work for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are made to consume very little power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently 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 Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling, we’re always seeking ways to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 614-451-0846. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.