When you’re looking for ways to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Laurel.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of H&C Heating and Cooling is a simple task if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and enjoy 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 making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require 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 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install 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 may be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on not a lot of power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like H&C Heating and 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on H&C Heating and Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At H&C Heating and Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 301-960-3247. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if necessary.