When you’re seeking approaches to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices learn your temperature preferences and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in McHenry.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Jett's Heating & Air Inc. is an uncomplicated task if you have a more modern residence. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats need 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 use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and find the wiring.
- 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 usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check 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 use your new thermostat without one.
- 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 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a fit for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to consume not a lot of power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Jett's Heating & Air Inc. 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 frequently 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.
Rely on Jett's Heating & Air Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Jett's Heating & Air Inc., we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills inexpensive. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 815-410-1128. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.