When you’re looking for approaches to decrease utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Crown Point.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Struven Heating & Cooling is a simple job if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct 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 receive 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 making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use 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:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 won’t work and you don’t want to install new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Struven Heating & Cooling 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 frequently drained.

ecobee works 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.

Trust Struven Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Struven Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 219-292-0956. We can help you select the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if necessary.