When you’re wanting methods to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. 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 out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Georgetown.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Miller Climate Control LLC is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can select the right thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat may 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. Take off the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed 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 nearly there. Ensure 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 use 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 install 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 be a fit for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to require very little power and can typically share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a pro like Miller Climate Control LLC put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s constantly 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.

Rely on Miller Climate Control LLC for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Miller Climate Control LLC, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping heating and cooling costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 512-937-2001. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if required.