When you’re wanting ways to lower energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Ellsworth.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC is a straightforward process if you have a newer house. But what if your house 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 choose the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.

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

Most 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. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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 find 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 nearly 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.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use 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 won’t work and you don’t want to install 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 might be a match for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to require minimal power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

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

Depend on Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 715-318-6728. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.