When you’re wanting approaches to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Moline.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of J.L. Brady Company LLC is a simple process if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.

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

Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 malfunctions.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take 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. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 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 work for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to run on not a lot of power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like J.L. Brady Company 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 frequently drained.

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

Depend on J.L. Brady Company LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At J.L. Brady Company LLC, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 309-517-7511. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if required.