When you’re looking for approaches to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Lawrence.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Scott Temperature is an uncomplicated process if you have a newer 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 demystify the process so you can pick the right thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up 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.
  5. 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 install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible and you don’t want to put in 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 might work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need very little power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Scott Temperature add 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 works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on Scott Temperature for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Scott Temperature, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 785-269-0465. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if required.