When you’re seeking methods to lower energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Mechanicsburg.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of H & H Service Company is a straightforward job if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most 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 might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can ascertain 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 pondering 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 close. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within 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 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 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 may be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like H & H Service Company install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.
ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on H & H Service Company for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At H & H Service Company, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 717-220-4502. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if required.
