When you’re seeking ways to reduce energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Lancaster.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Fairfield Heating & Cooling is a straightforward process if you have a newer house. But what if your home 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 select the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching 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 malfunction.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove 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 pondering 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. Make sure 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 use your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 install new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the top 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 made to need not a lot of power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Fairfield Heating & Cooling install 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 has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on Fairfield Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Fairfield Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 740-331-4331. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if required.
