When you’re wanting methods to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Neptune City.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Aggressive Mechanical is a straightforward process 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 figure out the process so you can choose the proper thermostat and get energy savings for many years.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Most 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 use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. 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.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to run 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to put in 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 created to run on very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Aggressive Mechanical install 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 good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Aggressive Mechanical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Aggressive Mechanical, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 732-806-5536. We can help you select the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.