When you’re wanting methods to decrease utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost 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 Fort Lauderdale.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Solar Air Inc. is a straightforward task 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 demystify the process so you can pick the right 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 upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have 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. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off the thermostat and check 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 often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to run 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 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 could be a fit for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Solar Air Inc. 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 frequently drained.

ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on 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 heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 954-320-7398. We can help you select the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.