When you’re looking for methods to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn 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 get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in McKinney and Frisco.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Bell Mechanical Services is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and enjoy energy savings for years to come.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn that many have to have 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 determine if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove 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 pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Ensure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install 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 best-selling brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Bell Mechanical Services install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

ecobee connects 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 Bell Mechanical Services for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Bell Mechanical Services, we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you have questions about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 888-863-0560. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even put in new wiring if required.