When you’re looking for methods to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent 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 adjust and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Des Moines.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern home. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have 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 determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and find 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 nearly there. 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 run your new thermostat without one.
- 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 operate 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 work for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to need minimal power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.
ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling, we’re always on the lookout for ways to keep you cozier while keeping utility costs inexpensive. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 515-207-6569. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.