When you’re wanting methods to reduce utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 Cache Valley.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Western Mechanical, Inc. is a simple process if you have a new house. But what if your home 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 choose the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off 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 wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked within 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.
  5. 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 use a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring won’t work 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 might work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to run on very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Western Mechanical, Inc. 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 always drained.

ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on Western Mechanical, Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Western Mechanical, Inc., we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 435-753-5515. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even add new wiring if necessary.