When you’re seeking ways to decrease energy bills, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices pick up on the temperatures you like and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from just about 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 provider in West Valley City.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning is an uncomplicated process if you have a new residence. But what if your residence 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 pick the recommended 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 switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need 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 malfunctions.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut 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 wondering 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 rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
- 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 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 work for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to consume minimal power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning put in 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 includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Select Comfort Systems Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for approaches to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills inexpensive. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 801-305-4777. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even add new wiring if required.