When you’re wanting ways to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 Dresden.)

In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of McFadden Heating & Cooling is a straightforward process if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats use 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. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take 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 typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 isn’t right 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 match for you.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume minimal power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like McFadden Heating & Cooling install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Rely on McFadden Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At McFadden Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 1-866-781-0111. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.