When you’re wanting methods to decrease energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Cache Valley.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Western Mechanical, Inc. is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. 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 pick the proper 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 switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need 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 malfunctions.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and find the wiring.
- 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 install a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Western Mechanical, Inc. install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered 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 seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy bills 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 select the right model for your home and even add new wiring if needed.