When you’re wanting methods to lower energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make 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 relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Hendersonville.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Superior Comfort Systems is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer 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 navigate the process so you can select the recommended 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 use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 have malfunctions.

You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 close. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to install 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 might be a fit for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Superior Comfort Systems add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Superior Comfort Systems for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Superior Comfort Systems, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 828-202-7025. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if needed.