When you’re wanting approaches to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from nearly 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 company in Smyrna.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC is a straightforward job if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading 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 malfunction.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 run 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 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 match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on not a lot of power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC 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.

Trust Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 302-653-0503. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if needed.