When you’re wanting methods to reduce heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Franklin Lakes.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Total Comfort is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your house 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 choose the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require 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 determine 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden within 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 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 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 made to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Total Comfort install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently 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.
Rely on Total Comfort for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Total Comfort, we’re always on the lookout for approaches to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses low. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 201-268-5663. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if necessary.