When you’re wanting ways to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from nearly 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 Covington.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Covington Air Systems is a simple task if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the proper thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could 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. Pull 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 pondering 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. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden in 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.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 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 might work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to need not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Covington Air Systems put in 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 is compatible 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.

Depend on Covington Air Systems for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Covington Air Systems, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at (770) 462-5319. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if required.