6 Smart Thermostats You Can Install Without a C Wire

  1. Google Nest Thermostat E. Google’s Nest Thermostat E is a simple smart thermostat that uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. …
  2. ecobee Lite SmartThermostat. …
  3. Google Nest Learning Thermostat. …
  4. Sensibo Sky. …
  5. Lux GEO-WH Wi-Fi Thermostat. …
  6. Emerson Sensi.

How do you change a thermostat without C wire?

Youtube quote:Turn your power to the thermostat off at the circuit breaker. Once you've installed the backplate of your new thermostat onto the wall unwrap the wire if it's wrapped around your wire bundle.

What to do if there is no C wire?





Option 2: Get a Venstar Add-a-Wire adapter



If you already have four wires and just need a fifth to be the C-wire, you’re a good candidate for a Venstar Add-a-Wire adapter. It costs less than $30 and it works great – check out our full review here. Adding a C-wire to 24VAC systems is what this thing exists for.

Can I add C wire to thermostat?

Yes, you should install a C-wire if you are upgrading your thermostat. Nearly all modern thermostats, smart or not, require a power source, and that doesn’t look likely to change any time soon.

Which smart thermostat has no C wire?

Our top pick for the best smart thermostat without a C wire goes to the Nest Thermostat E. Its display simply shows the temperature setting, while the app lets you prioritize certain rooms’ cooling, change settings when you’re away, and lets you know if it senses a problem.

Can I use Nest Thermostat without C wire?

Nest claims that you can use the Nest Thermostat without a C-wire. While this is true, it would be advisable to have a C-wire. A lot of Nest users have had problems when they use the thermostat without a C-wire. In the absence of a C wire, your thermostat battery charges itself by using the power from your HVAC system.

Can I use RC wire as C wire?





No the Rc is the red wire. You need 5 wires or more for this to run with all the functions. You can use one of the other wires but you have to drop control of the fan. It will only come on when furnace comes on.

Can you use G wire for C wire?

If there is no hidden C-wire, you can use a G-wire instead. However, you will not be able to use your fan independently when the heating or cooling isn’t running. Also, many HVAC systems are incompatible with this solution, including: HVAC systems using electric heat.

Where does C wire go on furnace?

Youtube quote:You would typically connect. This a/c wire to be the C terminal on the board on the control board on in the furnace.

What color is C wire for thermostat?

Blue wires



Blue wires are also called “C” wires because they are the Common wire. C wires are necessary for any “smart” thermostat that needs to be connected to a power source 24/7, regardless of your heat pump type.

How do I install nest without C wire?

Youtube quote:So what you would do is go to your nest thermostat. Take off the G wire. Usually. It's going to be the green wire going to G. So you press on it you pull it out and before.

Is the C wire hot?

Typically, the wires that provide the power (often called the “hot” wires) are labeled Rc (cooling) and Rh (heating).

How do you hook up a C wire to a furnace?



Youtube quote:Or red wire to r which is 24 volts white wire to the w terminal which controls heat. And then the yellow wire to the y terminal which controls your ac.

What does C wire mean on thermostat?

common wire

C-wire is an abbreviation for “common wire,” although it is not so common as you may expect. By closing the circuit, it delivers constant 24-volt power to your thermostat.

How do you test if C wire has power?

Youtube quote:Begin by putting one probe whichever probe you want on the rh wire and test every other wire with the other probe. One of the wires will show up is 24 volts and that is your c wire.

Why is my C wire not getting power?



If the thermostat loses power it does not have a C-wire, and you may need an add-a-wire kit. If it doesn’t lose power, locate your breaker panel. Flip the breaker for the wall with the thermostat on it. If it loses power, you likely have a C-wire.

Is the C wire a ground?

C stands for common. The common wire is the ground or negative wire. To complete the circuit that provides power to the thermostat you need a positive and negative wire from the 24V transformer.