When you’re looking for methods to decrease energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. 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 change and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Cottonwood & Prescott.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Connolly Electric & Mechanical is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the ideal thermostat and get energy savings for many years.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could work for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Connolly Electric & Mechanical 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 always drained.

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

Trust Connolly Electric & Mechanical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Connolly Electric & Mechanical, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 928-251-4327. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even add new wiring if required.