When you’re wanting ways to lower utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting 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 Richmond.)
Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Refrigeration Systems Ltd. is an uncomplicated task if you have a more modern house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Pull off the thermostat and find 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 almost there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 run 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 isn’t right 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 may be a match for your needs.
Nest says its thermostats are created to require minimal power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like Refrigeration Systems Ltd. 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 constantly drained.
ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Refrigeration Systems Ltd. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Refrigeration Systems Ltd., we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 778-693-2532. We can help you pick the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if required.