When you’re wanting methods to reduce utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Naples.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Speedy Air Conditioning is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and get energy savings for many years.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take 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 thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked inside 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 install new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the best-selling 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 designed to consume very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Speedy Air Conditioning install 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 includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on Speedy Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Speedy Air Conditioning, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 239-244-3439. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if necessary.