When you’re seeking approaches to reduce utility costs, installing a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn the temperatures you like and routine and then develop 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 on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Marshalltown.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Kapaun & Brown Inc. is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can ascertain if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off 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 typically blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Check 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 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 use 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 best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could be a fit for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume very little power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Kapaun & Brown Inc. 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 always drained.
ecobee connects 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.
Trust Kapaun & Brown Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Kapaun & Brown Inc., we’re always seeking ways to keep you comfier while keeping energy expenses inexpensive. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 641-812-2028. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if necessary.