When you’re seeking ways to reduce energy bills, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices adjust to the temperatures you like and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Phoenix.)
In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is a straightforward task if you have a more modern residence. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the proper thermostat and get energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use 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 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 home.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc 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 connects 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.
Rely on Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc, we’re always looking for ways to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 602-832-7808. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.