When you’re seeking approaches to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Omaha.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward job if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add 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 a long time.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 close. Check 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 run 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need minimal power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning add 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 has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered 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 on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. 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 choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.