When you’re wanting approaches to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Dundas and Northfield.)

In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Better Air is a simple task if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the proper thermostat and enjoy 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 learn that many have to have 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 determine 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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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. Make sure 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 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 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 might be an option for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Better Air 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Better Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Better Air, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 507-663-1208. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even add new wiring if required.