All That You Need to Know About the C Wiring Used for Smart Thermostats

With the ability to completely automate a house’s heating and cooling system, there is no surprise why smart thermostats have become an attraction for most homeowners. Its ability to stay connected to the internet allows the user to control the thermostat remotely through an app that can be easily installed on mobile or laptops. 

You will be surprised to know that a smart thermostat can save up to 23% energy, bringing down the utility bill beyond your expectations. That’s why, when it comes to energy saving, people now prefer shifting to smart thermostats. 

Apart from its ability to save energy and the comfort offered, another reason that has made smart thermostats popular is the ease of installation. You don’t need to be a tech-fiend or a professional to add these smart devices to your home. 

But before heading straight to the installation process, the one thing that you must get familiar with is the C wiring, as it plays a key role in supporting the installation of a smart thermostat. Here is what you need to know about C wiring in smart thermostats and Ecobee Thermostat . 

What is a C Wire?

Common wire, popularly known as C wire, offers the constant flow of 24 VAC power to the smart thermostat. However, it is not the C wire that actually provides the power to the thermostat. The wire that acts as a source of power for the thermostat is the hot wire or R wire. The R wire is labeled as Rh for heating, Rc for cooling, and Rh/c for both heating and cooling. Some thermostats have simply one wire labeled as R. 

However, the power in the case of the R wire is not continuous, and this is where the C wire comes into the picture. It offers a continuous flow of power, making these wires unique and perfect for smart thermostat installation. 

Moreover, the C wire completes the circuit between the control system of the HVAC system and the R wire. It maintains the power continuity so that the smart thermostat can display the settings and keep the Wi-Fi capabilities running round the clock. 

How to Know If You Have a C Wire?

You don’t need to refer to a tech expert to identify the C wire in your home. All you need is to read the label mentioned on the wire to know whether you have a C wire in your house or not. Open the thermostat and notice a couple of wires connected to terminals that are properly labeled. 

One of the terminals behind the digital thermostat panel will be labeled as C, and if this wire is directly connected to the terminal, you can be sure that you have a C wire.

But even if the C wire is not connected to the C terminal, there are still chances that you have a C wire in the thermostat. In many cases, the C wire is not required for the thermostat as the technician runs a C wire from the HVAC control board anyway and leaves it disconnected just behind the digital thermostat panel. 

In such a case, you just have to head down to the control board of the HVAC system and check whether there is any wire connected to the C terminal or not. If there is a wire connected to the C terminal, you have to check the color of the wire, matching wires, and other wires having similar color as the C wire. 

Should I Hire a Professional for C Wire?

If you are a complete rookie in terms of wire, electric boards, and circuits, hiring a professional for installing the smart thermostat becomes crucial. Apart from making the simple task an arduous process, it would be dangerous too, as you would be putting yourself at the risk of getting a shock. 

Most companies offer you free installation when you buy a smart thermostat. It is in your best interest to opt for this installation rather than taking things in your hand and dealing with the installation process by referring to a tech lexicon. 

Wrapping Up

A C wire is one of the essential parts of smart thermostat installation, as most smart thermostats require the presence of a C wire to work efficiently. Therefore, you must check whether your existing thermostat has C wires or not. If not, it is better to call a professional if you have never dealt with wiring and electrical work before. Moreover, if you have brought your digital thermostat from a reputable company like Tado, you can simply sit back and let their installation team do the job for you.