When you’re wanting approaches to lower energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Ballwin and St. Charles.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Air Alliance Team is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the proper 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 use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. 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 usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 is incompatible 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 work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Air Alliance Team add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Trust Air Alliance Team for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Air Alliance Team, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 636-206-4584. We can help you select the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.