When you’re wanting methods to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Rapid City.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Street Heating and Cooling is a straightforward task if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.
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 discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
- 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 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may work for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are created to need very little power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Street Heating and Cooling add 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good 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 seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 605-206-3915. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.