When you’re seeking approaches to reduce heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Albuquerque.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of I-Deal HVAC is a simple job if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off 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 pondering 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. Make sure 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 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 won’t work 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 an option for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to require minimal power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like I-Deal HVAC put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust I-Deal HVAC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At I-Deal HVAC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 505-445-1250. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even add new wiring if required.