When you’re wanting methods to reduce utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Northridge.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need 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:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove 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 wondering 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden in 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 install 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 is incompatible 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 may be a match for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are made to need minimal power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Enertek Air Conditioning & 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 has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at (818) 727-9993. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.
