When you’re seeking approaches to reduce utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. 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 change 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 provider in Rockford.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling is a simple task if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require 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 malfunction.

You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering 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 close. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to replace it.

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 match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made 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 Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling put in 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 works 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.

Depend on Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling, we’re always on the lookout 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 (815) 914-6197. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.