When you’re wanting ways to decrease heating and cooling expenses, 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 adjust and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Des Moines.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the proper thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Cut 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 required for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering 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 add one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run 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 install new wiring.

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 may work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume minimal power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always 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 taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 515-207-6569. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.