When you’re looking for approaches to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.)
Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Halverson Brothers Inc is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.
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 discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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. Make sure 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install 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 won’t work 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 may be a fit for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are made to require very little power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like Halverson Brothers Inc put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.
ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on Halverson Brothers Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Halverson Brothers Inc, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 715-352-4052. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if required.
