When you’re looking for methods to reduce energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Mankato area.)

In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Northern Comfort Inc is a straightforward process if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching 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 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. Pull off the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 operate 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to replace it.

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 match for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to require 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 Northern Comfort Inc 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on Northern Comfort Inc for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Northern Comfort Inc, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 507-387-6596. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if required.