When you’re looking for approaches to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. 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 lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Temple/Belton .)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Bell Air Conditioning Inc is a simple job if you have a more modern house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the right thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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

Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have 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 have glitches.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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 close. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to install 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 best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a fit for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to consume minimal power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Bell Air Conditioning Inc add 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 is compatible 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 Bell Air Conditioning Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Bell Air Conditioning Inc, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 254-307-9572. We can help you select the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.