When you’re seeking ways to reduce utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Jefferson City.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Stieferman Heating Company Inc is a simple process if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose 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 run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 just 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 replace it.

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 might be an option for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like Stieferman Heating Company Inc add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

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

Trust Stieferman Heating Company Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 573-635-3547. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.