When you’re looking for methods to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Tucker.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of ACS Heating and Air Conditioning is a simple job if you have a more modern house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the right 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 switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many need 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 malfunction.

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 thinking what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 use your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a fit for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume minimal 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 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 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.

Trust ACS Heating and Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At ACS Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 770-450-1539. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if required.