When you’re looking for ways to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise 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 regulate and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Pflugerville.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning is a straightforward job if you have a more modern house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the proper wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the right thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

Most programmable thermostats run on 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 might cause your heating and cooling system to have glitches.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off the thermostat and check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Check the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to add 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 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 won’t work 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 be a fit for your needs.

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 pro like Evenaire 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 is compatible 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 Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 512-355-1482. We can help you select the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if required.