When you’re seeking methods to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.)
Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Halverson Brothers Inc is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need 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 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 look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor just for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring won’t work 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 may be an option for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are created to need not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Halverson Brothers Inc add 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 connects 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.
Depend on Halverson Brothers Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Halverson Brothers Inc, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 715-352-4052. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if necessary.
