When you’re wanting approaches to lower energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. 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 adjust and keep an eye on your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or away from home. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Saint Louis.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating is a straightforward process if you have a newer 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 correct thermostat and enjoy 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 switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 malfunction.

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

  1. Cut 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 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 almost there. Check the C wire isn’t tucked 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 might be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need minimal power and can frequently share it with your heating and cooling system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re covered if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 314-262-4541. We can help you pick the right model for your home and even install new wiring if necessary.