When you’re wanting ways to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Big Spring.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of SKC AC LLC is a straightforward task if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can select the right thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Turn off 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’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 often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to install new wiring.

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 an option for you.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to run on not a lot of power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like SKC AC LLC 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 always drained.

ecobee works 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.

Trust SKC AC LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At SKC AC LLC, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 432-203-4881. We can help you select the right model for your home and even install new wiring if needed.