When you’re seeking methods to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. 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 regulate and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Booneville.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Booneville Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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

Most programmable thermostats need 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 may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut 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 required for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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 close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden in 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 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 put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be an option for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to need very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Booneville Heating & Cooling install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

ecobee connects 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.

Depend on Booneville Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Booneville Heating & Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 662-269-8716. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even add new wiring if required.