When you’re wanting methods to decrease heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch 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 supplier in Florissant and St. Charles.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of B & B Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct 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 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 switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 is incompatible 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 could be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on minimal power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like B & B Heating & Cooling add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on B & B Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At B & B Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 314-325-7552. We can help you select the right model for your home and even install new wiring if needed.