When you’re wanting approaches to decrease energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart move. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or on the go. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Spokane.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Bigfoot Mechanical is a straightforward job 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 figure out the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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 find that many have to have 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 have malfunctions.

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. Take 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 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 nearly there. Check 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 use a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the top 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 home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need minimal power and can often share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a professional like Bigfoot Mechanical add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into 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 covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Depend on Bigfoot Mechanical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Bigfoot Mechanical, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 509-392-8770. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even put in new wiring if needed.