When you’re looking for ways to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices adjust to 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 just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Cambridge.)

In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Pliescott HVAC Services LLC is an uncomplicated job if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the right thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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

Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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 nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 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 won’t work and you don’t want to replace it.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to require not a lot of power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC 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 has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Pliescott HVAC Services LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Pliescott HVAC Services LLC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 410-228-4822. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if needed.