When you’re seeking methods to lower utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Morgantown.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Mountain Air is a straightforward process if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the ideal thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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 learn that many need 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 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 find the wiring.
  3. 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 usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden within 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 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 put in 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 could be a fit for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume very little power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Mountain Air 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 comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Mountain Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Mountain Air, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 304-413-1287. We can help you select the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if needed.