When you’re seeking ways to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Mobile.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc is a straightforward job if you have a more modern 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 demystify the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without 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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 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 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 fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need minimal power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

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

Depend on Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 251-471-2674. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.