When you’re seeking ways to reduce heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Central Point.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Titan Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward job if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading 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 may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 replace it.
Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?
Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a match for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to require very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Titan Heating & Air Conditioning 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 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 Titan Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Titan Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 541-286-6617. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.