When you’re looking for methods to reduce utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices pick up on your temperature preferences 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 just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Alice.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Rescue Heating & Air is a straightforward task if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install 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?
Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden 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 install a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 won’t work and you don’t want to replace it.
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 be a fit for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are made to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Rescue Heating & Air put in 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 is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Rescue Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Rescue Heating & Air , we’re always looking for ways to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 361-265-4371. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if required.