When you’re seeking methods to decrease heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise 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 change and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Sandpoint.)
In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Age Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated process if you have a newer house. 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 demystify the process so you can select the right thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure 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.
- 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 install 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 best-selling 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 made to consume very little power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Age Heating & Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s always drained.
ecobee works 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 Age Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Age Heating & Cooling, 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 upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 208-603-2210. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if required.
