When you’re wanting approaches to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Lafayette.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of AC Sales is a simple process if you have a more modern house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require 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 ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off the thermostat and look at 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 install a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 replace it.

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 match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume very little power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like AC Sales 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 frequently drained.

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

Rely on AC Sales for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At AC Sales, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at (337) 234-2345. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.