When you’re seeking methods to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Port Orchard.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Air Masters Heating & Cooling is a simple task if you have a more modern house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for many years.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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 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 thinking 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 nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 install a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to put in 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 could work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on very little power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Air Masters Heating & Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into 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 taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Air Masters Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Air Masters Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 360-205-7115. We can help you select the right model for your house and even add new wiring if required.