When you’re looking for methods to reduce energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. 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 keep an eye on your settings from nearly 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 Pocatello.)
Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Vogts Heating & Air is a simple 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 add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and get energy savings for many years.
What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?
Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have 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 have glitches.
You can determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:
- Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
- Remove the thermostat and check the wiring.
- If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required 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.
- If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Check the C wire isn’t hidden 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 run your new thermostat without one.
- If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to install 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 might be an option for your home.
Nest says its thermostats are made to run on minimal power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Vogts Heating & Air 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.
Rely on Vogts Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs
At Vogts Heating & Air, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 208-621-0129. We can help you select the right model for your home and even add new wiring if required.