When you’re wanting ways to reduce heating and cooling bills, installing a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices pick up on the temperatures you like and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting 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 Libertyville.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern residence. 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 figure out the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and enjoy 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 switching 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 have malfunctions.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- 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 usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden 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.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run 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 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 designed to run on minimal power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 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 comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling bills low. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 847-362-0262. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.