When you’re seeking ways to reduce heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. 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 adjust and keep an eye on 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 get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Wisconsin Rapids.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the right thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Cut 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure 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 use your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be an option for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on not a lot of power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

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

Rely on Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 715-301-0256. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.