When you’re wanting approaches to lower utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. 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 change and keep an eye on 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 Marshalltown.)
In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of B & G HVAC is a simple job if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the right thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering 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 nearly there. Check 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 use your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 is incompatible 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 could be a match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to consume not a lot of power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like B & G HVAC install 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 comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on B & G HVAC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At B & G HVAC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 641-316-3360. We can help you select the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.