When you’re seeking methods to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn the temperatures you like and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from just about 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 provider in Lake Forest.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is a straightforward task if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove 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 usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked 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 run your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to install new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be an option for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on minimal power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, 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 frequently drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., we’re always seeking approaches to keep you comfier while keeping energy costs inexpensive. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 949-204-0859. We can help you select the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.