When you’re seeking methods to reduce heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 help of TopTec is a straightforward job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick 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 upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may 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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. 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 use your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to put in 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 could work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to run on not a lot of power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like TopTec put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee works 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.

Rely on TopTec for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At TopTec, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 847-362-0262. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if required.