When you’re seeking approaches to decrease utility expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your temperature preferences and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Omaha.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward task if you have a newer 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 demystify the process so you can choose the right thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
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 discover 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut 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’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 designed 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 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 may be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require very little power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee connects 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.
Rely on Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 402-509-5940. We can help you select the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.