When you’re wanting methods to decrease heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Des Moines.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Heartland Heating & Cooling is a simple task if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the right 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 use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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 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 close. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 won’t work 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 may be an option for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to require minimal power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Heartland Heating & Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee is compatible 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.

Rely on Heartland Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Heartland Heating & Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 515-344-3579. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even add new wiring if needed.