When you’re wanting methods to lower energy 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 fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Mission Viejo.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning is a simple task if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the right thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.

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

Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require 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 glitches.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull 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 pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 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 may be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume minimal power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly 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 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 949-204-0859. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if required.