When you’re seeking methods to decrease heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Tucson.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Ambient Air is a simple process if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install 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 many years.

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

Many programmable thermostats use batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require 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 malfunction.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove 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 pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is usually blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside 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 specifically 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 put in 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 may be an option for you.

Nest says its thermostats are made to need not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like Ambient Air put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee is compatible 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.

Trust Ambient Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Ambient Air, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 520-357-4912. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even install new wiring if required.