When you’re seeking methods to reduce heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Phoenix.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Integrity AC & Heating LLC is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your house 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 select the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.

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

Most 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. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden 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.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a fit for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to require minimal power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Integrity AC & Heating LLC put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Integrity AC & Heating LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Integrity AC & Heating LLC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 602-971-0567. We can help you select the right model for your home and even add new wiring if necessary.