When you’re seeking approaches to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise idea. These devices pick up on your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can change and keep an eye on your settings from nearly 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 Bartlesville.)

In most instances, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the help of Farris Heating & Air is a simple process if you have a new house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can pick the correct thermostat and get energy savings for a long time.

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

Most programmable thermostats run on batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll learn 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 malfunctions.

You can ascertain 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 find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re almost there. Ensure the C wire isn’t tucked in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 use 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats might be a fit for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to consume very little power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Farris Heating & Air install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Depend on Farris Heating & Air for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Farris Heating & Air, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 918-333-0376. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if necessary.