When you’re looking for methods to lower utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 Palm Coast.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists is an uncomplicated task if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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

Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many need 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked inside 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 use 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 isn’t right 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 may be an option for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to require not a lot of power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists 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 frequently drained.

ecobee works 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.

Depend on Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Cooks Air Conditioning and Heating Specialists, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 386-313-8766. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even install new wiring if needed.