When you’re wanting approaches to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices learn your temperature preferences and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Houston.)
In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Marcos AC & Heating is an uncomplicated task 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 pick the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 put in 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 may be a fit for you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to need minimal power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Marcos AC & Heating put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.
ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Marcos AC & Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Marcos AC & Heating, we’re always on the lookout for approaches to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 713-469-3357. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if required.