What wiring do you need for a smart thermostat?

A C-wire is required for many smart thermostats because they need a constant flow of electricity from the furnace in order to keep the smart components running. Smart thermostats usually have Wi-Fi in them so they can communicate to the internet, which allows you to monitor or change the temperature when you are away.

Do smart thermostats need special wiring?

But before heading straight into the installation of a smart thermostat, it’s important to become familiar with the thermostat’s wiring. Most importantly, the C wire. Many smart thermostats require a C wire to power the display screen, wireless connection, and internal processor.

Do smart thermostats work with any HVAC system?

The devices most commonly called “smart thermostats”, such as thermostats from Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, etc., are only compatible with “low voltage” 24v HVAC systems. You should be certain that your HVAC is compatible before you try to hook up a smart thermostat.

How do I connect my smart thermostat to my a C?

How to Connect your New Thermostat to your AC

  1. Remove the Old Thermostat. Turn off the thermostat. Wait for the cooling cycle to finish. …
  2. Place the New Thermostat. Install the backplate of the new thermostat to the wall. Mount it with the screws. …
  3. Connect the Wires. Your wall opening and new thermostat have multiple wires.


Do all smart thermostats require a C wire?

The good news is, some of the best smart thermostats do not require the power from the C wire to work. In fact, some of the best smart thermostats like the Google Nest Thermostat have no requirement for the C wire as they contain rechargeable batteries or other technology that removes the need for one.

Is RC the same as C wire?

The C and Rc wires are not the same. To install this thermostat you should follow the exact same wiring of the previous thermostat.

Can I use G wire for C wire?

Option #3: Use a G-Wire as a 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.

Can a smart thermostat work with any furnace?

Your smart thermostat will draw energy from the furnace, but for some furnaces that’s okay. If your furnace can’t handle that or you want to be safe, you can run a few more wires to a transformer that connects to a wall outlet. This way, your smart thermostat is being powered independently of your furnace.

Is C wire required for nest?

With a Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat, you’ll need to install a C wire if the thermostat has power issues or its battery often drains.

How do I connect my Nest Thermostat to HVAC?

Connecting the HVAC system wiring to the Nest Thermostat base is easy using the press connectors. Simply insert the wire into the connector as far as it will go until the press connector stays in the down position. The Star connector on the Nest Thermostat can control a number of different applications.

What if there is no C wire for thermostat?

You most likely have a line voltage system and none of the popular smart thermostats on the market are available to you as-is. (There is some hope with an adapter, but don’t get too excited yet.) This wiring indicates a line voltage system, and you’ll need an adapter or a smart thermostat designed for line voltage.

How do you wire a smart thermostat with two wires?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And we're going to put it in the rh terminal and that just stands for powered heating. So we're going to go ahead. And just slide it in there push down on the little tab and push the wire.

What color is the C wire?

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.

Where do I connect the C wire on my furnace?

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

Can I install ecobee without C wire?

If you’re lacking a C wire and have at least four wires at your thermostat to work with (refer to this article if you only have two wires), you’ll want to install the Power Extender Kit (PEK).

How do I install a smart thermostat without C wire?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Terminal. If there's already a wire attached to the C terminal. Just leave it be and attach a new wire next to it go ahead and push all the wires back into the wall. And close the backplate.

How do you know if you have C wire?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Likely there is gonna be a fifth wire tucked into the wall I'm thinking that's going to be our C wire most likely because as you can see we have a green a yellow a white in a red.

Can ecobee run on two wires?

Am I compatible with ecobee? ecobee thermostats require a C (common) wire to power on. If your current thermostat uses only two wires (R and W, or T and T), there are a few installation options available, depending on your application.

Can I use a smart thermostat with only 2 wires?

The Nest Thermostat is compatible with 2 wire low voltage HVAC systems that are either heat only systems or cooling only systems.

Does ecobee need a transformer?

ecobee thermostats are compatible with systems that use zone valves. There typically won’t be enough power to support multiple smart thermostats, so you may need to add an 24V transformer and an isolation relay.