When you’re looking for methods to decrease heating and cooling expenses, upgrading to a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Newton.)
In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Brookwood Inc is a straightforward job if you have a more modern residence. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.
You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Take 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 pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to install new wiring.
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 could be a match for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are created to need very little power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Brookwood Inc add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.
ecobee connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Depend on Brookwood Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Brookwood Inc, we’re always looking for ways to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling costs low. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 641-316-9803. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if needed.