When you’re looking for approaches to reduce utility expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices adjust to your temperature preferences and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from nearly 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 company in Tucson.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of A&M Heating & Cooling LLC is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your residence 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 choose the right thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without 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:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and find 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 typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 put in 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 might be a fit for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are created to run on not a lot of power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like A&M Heating & Cooling LLC put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust A&M Heating & Cooling LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At A&M Heating & Cooling LLC, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy bills low. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 520-200-1048. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if required.