When you’re seeking ways to reduce energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in West Valley City.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Select Comfort Systems is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the right thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats need 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 find out 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to replace it.

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 your home.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need not a lot of power and can often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Select Comfort Systems add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

ecobee connects 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.

Rely on Select Comfort Systems for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Select Comfort Systems, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 801-305-4777. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.