When you’re looking for ways to decrease energy costs, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn 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 monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Lawrence.)
Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Scott Temperature is a simple job if you have a more modern home. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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 almost there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up inside 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 run 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 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 could be an option for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are created to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Scott Temperature install 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 is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered 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 looking for approaches to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses low. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 785-269-0465. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.