When you’re looking for methods to lower heating and cooling expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices pick up on the temperatures you like and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from almost 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 supplier in Zelienople.)
In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Knoechel Heating Company is a simple task if you have a newer home. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the proper thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require 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 glitches.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
- 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 install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible and you don’t want to install new wiring.
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 a fit for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like Knoechel Heating Company add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee connects 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.
Trust Knoechel Heating Company for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Knoechel Heating Company, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy expenses low. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 724-425-5852. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if necessary.