When you’re seeking methods to lower heating and cooling expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Wausau.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Gilray Heating and Cooling is a straightforward job if you have a newer residence. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of 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 might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and find 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 usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 install 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to install new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a match for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to need very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Gilray Heating and Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee is compatible 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.
Trust Gilray Heating and Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Gilray Heating and Cooling, we’re always on the lookout for approaches to keep you cozier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 715-301-0727. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if required.