When you’re looking for ways to decrease heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in West Jefferson.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is an uncomplicated job if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the ideal thermostat and receive 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. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to run 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 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 may work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to require minimal power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Rely on West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 614-879-9091. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.