When you’re seeking methods to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor 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 Troy.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Edington Heating & Cooling Inc is a straightforward job if you have a more modern house. But what if your home 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 enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might 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. Pull off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. 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 often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 won’t work 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 might be an option for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to require not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into 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 good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Edington Heating & Cooling Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Edington Heating & Cooling Inc, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 937-558-9478. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.