When you’re looking for ways to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Alice.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Rescue Heating & Air is a simple job if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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 learn that many have to have 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. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Ensure 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 install 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a fit for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on minimal power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Rescue Heating & Air 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 is compatible 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.

Rely on Rescue Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Rescue Heating & Air, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading 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 home and even add new wiring if required.