When you’re seeking ways to lower energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from nearly 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 company in Tomball.)

In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Premium Air Services LLC 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 have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the proper thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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

Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

You can determine 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 check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate 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 work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on not a lot of power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Premium Air Services LLC put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently 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.

Rely on Premium Air Services LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Premium Air Services LLC, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 713-364-9957. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if required.