When you’re wanting approaches to reduce energy bills, installing a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your temperature preferences and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Eastland.)
Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of J & J Air Conditioning is a simple task if you have a newer residence. But what if your residence 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 pick the ideal thermostat and get energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading 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 might cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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 nearly there. 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 use 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 install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible and you don’t want to install 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 be a fit for you.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on minimal power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like J & J Air Conditioning 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 works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Trust J & J Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At J & J Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for approaches to keep you cozier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 254-355-3833. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if necessary.