When you’re looking for approaches to lower energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Sussex County.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. is a straightforward job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add 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?
Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut 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’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 typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 run 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to install new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. 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 always drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc., we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 973-270-9244. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if needed.