When you’re seeking ways to lower energy bills, 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 watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Brookfield.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Central Air LLC is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the proper thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Switch off 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 usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 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 put in 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 work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to require minimal power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Central Air LLC add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always 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.

Depend on Central Air LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Central Air LLC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 203-357-5913. We can help you select the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if necessary.