When you’re seeking approaches to decrease utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying 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 Buellton.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward task if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.

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

Most programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

You can ascertain 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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed 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 hidden within 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.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install 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 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 be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed 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 Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing 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 good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 805-242-9638. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if required.