When you’re seeking ways to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Crystal and Twin Cities.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of GV Heating & Air is an uncomplicated job if you have a new 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 choose the right 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 learn that many need 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 ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Turn 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’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 often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 run 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 won’t work and you don’t want to install 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 might be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on very little power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like GV Heating & Air put in 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on GV Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At GV Heating & Air, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 763-535-2000. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.