When you’re looking for approaches to lower energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Payson.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is a straightforward job if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the proper thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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

Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 glitches.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take 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 pondering 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 close. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 won’t work and you don’t want to put in 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 might be an option for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume minimal power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like North Mechanical Heating and Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly 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.

Rely on North Mechanical Heating and Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 928-263-8570. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.