When you’re seeking approaches to reduce utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting 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 Lincoln.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of AW Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward task if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add 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 upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might 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 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 usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked within 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 won’t work 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 frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like AW Heating & Air Conditioning 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 works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on AW Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At AW Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 402-438-7992. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.