When you’re wanting approaches to reduce utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Mankato area.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Northern Comfort Inc is a simple process if you have a newer 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 demystify the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

Most 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 use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

You can determine 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’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Check the C wire isn’t hidden 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.
  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 isn’t right 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 needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to consume minimal power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Northern Comfort Inc put in 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 works with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Northern Comfort Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Northern Comfort Inc, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 507-387-6596. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if necessary.