When you’re wanting approaches to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Narvon.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Ameri-Tec is an uncomplicated task if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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 find that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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 look at 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 almost there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to need not a lot of power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Ameri-Tec install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

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

Trust Ameri-Tec for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Ameri-Tec, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 717-479-4950. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.