When you’re wanting approaches to decrease energy bills, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices adjust to the temperatures you like and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Chelan and Wenatchee.)
Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Lakeside Heating & Air is a straightforward process if you have a new 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 figure out the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.
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 learn 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 glitches.
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 required for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure 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 operate 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 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 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 might be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Lakeside Heating & Air put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s always drained.
ecobee works 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.
Depend on Lakeside Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Lakeside Heating & Air, we’re always seeking ways to keep you comfier while keeping energy costs low. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 509-284-4265. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even add new wiring if needed.