When you’re looking for methods to reduce energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can adjust and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Rapid City.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the support of Precision Mechanical is an uncomplicated process if you have a new house. But what if your house 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 pick the proper 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 learn that many need 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 malfunction.

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 look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re nearly there. Check the C wire isn’t hidden inside 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 use 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 isn’t right 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 might be a match for you.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need minimal power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Precision Mechanical put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s constantly 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 Precision Mechanical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Precision Mechanical, we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you have questions about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 605-206-3766. We can help you choose the right model for your home and even put in new wiring if required.