When you’re looking for methods to reduce heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from nearly 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 supplier in Hasbrouck Heights.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the support of ACE Solutions is a simple 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 have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the ideal thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many have to have a C wire, or common wire, for power. Without 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. Turn off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Pull off the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in 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 install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring won’t work and you don’t want to install new wiring.

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 match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are created to run on not a lot of power and can frequently share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like ACE Solutions add 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re taken care of if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on ACE Solutions for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At ACE Solutions, we’re always seeking methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 201-426-0650. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even install new wiring if required.