When you’re wanting ways to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Moline.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Freed Heating & Air Conditioning is an uncomplicated process 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 navigate the process so you can pick the right thermostat and get energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require 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 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 check the wiring.
- 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 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 replace it.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are created to need not a lot of power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Freed Heating & Air Conditioning add 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 is compatible 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 Freed Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Freed Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 309-323-9584. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.