When you’re looking for methods to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Naples.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Speedy Air Conditioning is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the proper 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 run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- 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 often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 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 install 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 might work for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Speedy Air Conditioning 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 always drained.
ecobee connects 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.
Trust Speedy Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Speedy Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 239-244-3439. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.
