When you’re seeking ways to decrease energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can adjust 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 receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Siloam Springs.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Siloam Springs Heating & AC is a straightforward task if you have a more modern house. But what if your house 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 select the proper thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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 learn that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat could cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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 hidden within 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 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to require minimal power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a pro like Siloam Springs Heating & AC install 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 comes with a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Siloam Springs Heating & AC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Siloam Springs Heating & AC, we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 479-308-8176. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even add new wiring if needed.