When you’re seeking ways to reduce utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Wilmington.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Brandywine Heating & Air is a straightforward job 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 demystify the process so you can pick the ideal thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat might 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’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. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 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 is incompatible 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 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 Brandywine Heating & Air install 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 works 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.

Depend on Brandywine Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Brandywine Heating & Air, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 302-261-3596. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even install new wiring if necessary.