When you’re seeking approaches to decrease utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Northridge.)
Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating is a simple process if you have a newer house. But what if your home 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 pick the proper thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of 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. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off 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 required 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. Check the C wire isn’t tucked inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to run 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to install new wiring.
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 might be a fit for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.
ecobee connects 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at (818) 727-9993. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.
