When you’re seeking ways to decrease heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in East Bernard.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of E.B. Air is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the proper thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and find the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 just 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 might be a match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to require minimal power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like E.B. Air put in 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 good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust E.B. Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At E.B. Air, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 979-335-4262. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if necessary.