When you’re seeking ways to decrease utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Neptune City.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Aggressive Mechanical is a straightforward task if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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

Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover 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 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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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 close. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden 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 run your new thermostat without one.
  5. 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 install 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to require very little power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Aggressive Mechanical 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 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.

Depend on Aggressive Mechanical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Aggressive Mechanical, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 732-806-5536. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if needed.