When you’re seeking ways to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Lawrence.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Scott Temperature is a straightforward process if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the right thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn 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 required for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked 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 use your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use 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 install 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 could work for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume not a lot of power and can often share it with your HVAC 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 experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.
ecobee connects 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.
Trust Scott Temperature for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Scott Temperature, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 785-269-0465. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.