When you’re seeking approaches to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch 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 receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Manassas.)

In most instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of Air-Right Energy Design is an uncomplicated task if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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 discover that many require 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 determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. 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 install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring won’t work 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 home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume not a lot of power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Air-Right Energy Design 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 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 Air-Right Energy Design for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Air-Right Energy Design, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 703-260-1148. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if needed.