When you’re wanting ways to lower utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. 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 out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Greater Richmond.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer 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 select the correct thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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

Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off 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 wondering 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 close. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install 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 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 could be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 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 constantly drained.

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

Rely on Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 804-302-6657. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if necessary.