When you’re seeking ways to decrease heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor 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 supplier in Cedar Rapids.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Ilten's is a straightforward job 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 navigate the process so you can choose the proper thermostat and enjoy energy savings for a long time.

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

Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

You can ascertain 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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 almost there. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 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 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 very little power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Ilten's add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

ecobee connects 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.

Trust Ilten's for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Ilten's, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 319-208-2351. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even add new wiring if necessary.