When you’re looking for methods to lower energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from almost 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 company in Rapid City.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Street Heating and Cooling is a straightforward 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 navigate the process so you can select the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.

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

Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many have to have 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Switch off 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 needed for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering 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. Check the C wire isn’t hidden 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.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to use a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible and you don’t want to replace it.

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 might be a fit for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to need minimal power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Street Heating and 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 always drained.

ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on Street Heating and Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Street Heating and Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 605-206-3915. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.