When you’re wanting ways to decrease energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Fort Lauderdale.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Solar Air Inc. is a simple job if you have a new house. But what if your residence 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 choose the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up in 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 use 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to replace it.

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 might be an option for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to consume very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Solar Air Inc. add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

ecobee is compatible 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 Solar Air Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Solar Air Inc., we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 954-320-7398. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.