When you’re wanting methods to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Belton.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Myers Furnace Company is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your home 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 choose the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require 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 malfunctions.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- 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 typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside 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.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring won’t work and you don’t want to install 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 may work for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Myers Furnace Company add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.
ecobee is compatible 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.
Trust Myers Furnace Company for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Myers Furnace Company, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 816-249-1619. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.