When you’re looking for methods to decrease heating and cooling expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Columbia.)
In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Watts Electric & A/C Inc is a straightforward task if you have a newer residence. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many 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 may cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off 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 you need 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 nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to replace it.
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 could work for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are created to run on very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Watts Electric & A/C Inc 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 constantly drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Watts Electric & A/C Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Watts Electric & A/C Inc, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 601-736-7362. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.