When you’re wanting approaches to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Crystal and Twin Cities.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of GV Heating & Air is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the proper thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.

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

Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Switch off 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 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 usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked 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 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to replace it.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to run on very little power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like GV Heating & Air install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

ecobee is compatible 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.

Trust GV Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At GV Heating & Air, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 763-535-2000. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.