When you’re seeking approaches to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Crystal and Twin Cities.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of GV Heating & Air is an uncomplicated job if you have a new residence. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add 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 use 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. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 just for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to install 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 could be a fit for you.
Nest says its thermostats are created to run on not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like GV Heating & Air add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly 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.
Depend on GV Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At GV Heating & Air, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 763-535-2000. We can help you select the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.