When you’re looking for methods to reduce heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then develop an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can adjust and keep an eye on your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re sitting in bed or away from home. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Port Clinton.)

In many instances, installing a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. is an uncomplicated job if you have a newer house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still add a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can pick the recommended thermostat and get energy savings for many years.

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 discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

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

  1. Cut 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’s required for a smart thermostat. You might be wondering 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 nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t hidden within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to operate 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 operate 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 top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be a match for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to consume not a lot of power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Depend on Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Ohler & Holzhauer Inc., we’re always looking for methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility costs reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 419-465-8722. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.