When you’re seeking ways to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in South Beloit and Belvidere.)
In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the ideal thermostat and enjoy 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 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 malfunctions.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Make sure 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.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use 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 isn’t right 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 may be a fit for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.
ecobee is compatible 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.
Trust Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Fleming Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 877-389-2465. We can help you select the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if required.