When you’re looking for methods to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Booneville.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Booneville Heating & Cooling is a straightforward job if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select 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 use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without 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:

  1. Switch off 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 thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use 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 isn’t right 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 may be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume very little power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Booneville Heating & Cooling 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 constantly drained.

ecobee is compatible 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 Booneville Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Booneville Heating & Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 662-269-8716. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.