When you’re looking for methods to reduce heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can change 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 receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Bishop.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning is an uncomplicated process if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick 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 upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover 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 have malfunctions.

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

  1. Turn 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 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 almost there. Make sure the C wire isn’t rolled up in 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 run a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically 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 is incompatible and you don’t want to replace it.

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 might work for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a professional like Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning 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 works 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 Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 760-784-9034. We can help you select the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if required.