When you’re seeking ways to lower energy bills, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices pick up on the temperatures you like and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in East Bernard.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of E.B. Air, LLC is a straightforward process if you have a more modern home. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the proper thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover 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 have malfunctions.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch 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 needed 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. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 designed 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 replace it.
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 an option for you.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to require minimal power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like E.B. Air, LLC 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 works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust E.B. Air, LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At E.B. Air, LLC, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs inexpensive. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 979-335-4262. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.