When you’re seeking ways to decrease heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Phoenix.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Integrity AC & Heating LLC is a simple task if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence 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 choose the right thermostat and enjoy 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 making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 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 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 could be an option for you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require very little power and can often 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 having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on Integrity AC & Heating LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Integrity AC & Heating LLC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 602-971-0567. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if necessary.