When you’re looking for ways to decrease energy costs, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices adjust to the temperatures you like and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. 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 out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Wharton.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Faust Air Conditioning and Heating is an uncomplicated process if you have a more modern home. 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 demystify 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?
Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use 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:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 install 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 install 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 a match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Faust Air Conditioning and Heating 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 always drained.
ecobee works 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.
Depend on Faust Air Conditioning and Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Faust Air Conditioning and Heating, we’re always on the lookout for ways to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 979-323-6130. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.