When you’re looking for approaches to reduce energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing 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 McKinney and Frisco.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Bell Mechanical Services is a straightforward task if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick 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 run on batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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 find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need 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 nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t rolled up in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to run 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 install 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 might be an option for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created 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 specialist like Bell Mechanical Services add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s constantly drained.

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

Depend on Bell Mechanical Services for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Bell Mechanical Services, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 888-863-0560. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even install new wiring if required.