When you’re wanting ways to lower utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Carpentersville.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Controlled Comfort HVAC is a straightforward process if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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 find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

You can determine 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 needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 almost there. Check the C wire isn’t hidden 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 designed 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need not a lot of power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Controlled Comfort HVAC 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 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 Controlled Comfort HVAC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Controlled Comfort HVAC, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 224-412-8308. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if needed.