When you’re seeking approaches to decrease utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Norco and St. Charles Parish.)

In many instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Mayeuxs AC & Heating is an uncomplicated process if you have a newer house. But what if your home 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 choose the ideal thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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 discover 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 malfunctions.

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

  1. Switch off 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 wondering 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 rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to use your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume minimal power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Mayeuxs AC & Heating 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 always drained.

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

Depend on Mayeuxs AC & Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Mayeuxs AC & Heating, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at (985) 764-2426. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even add new wiring if required.