When you’re wanting approaches to reduce heating and cooling expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices adjust to the temperatures you like and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Tucker.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is a simple job if you have a new house. But what if your house 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 pick the correct thermostat and get energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many 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. Without 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:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering 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. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 install 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 put in new wiring.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to consume not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like ACS Heating and Air Conditioning 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 works 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.
Rely on ACS Heating and Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 770-450-1539. We can help you select the right model for your house and even add new wiring if required.