When you’re looking for approaches to decrease energy bills, 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 keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Milledgeville and Middle Georgia.)
In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Air Concepts of Middle Georgia is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and get 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 upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and look at the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
- 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 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 could be a match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Air Concepts of Middle Georgia 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 constantly 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.
Depend on Air Concepts of Middle Georgia for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Air Concepts of Middle Georgia, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 478-200-5689. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.