Categories
Knowledgebase

Is your wiring compatible with a smart thermostat? Our guide to low voltage, line voltage, and more

You’ve probably heard the term “low voltage” or “24v” while researching smart thermostats – but if you’re early in your research, you might not yet know the difference. The difference is critical: today’s best-known smart thermostats (from manufacturers like ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell) are designed only for low voltage systems. You’ll need to be sure […]

Categories
Knowledgebase

Thermostat C Wire: Everything you need to know about the “common” wire

Back in the olden days, thermostats were simple on/off devices that didn’t need their own continuous power supply.  Modern thermostats with Wi-Fi and backlit display, by contrast, need a steady supply of juice. The C wire, or “common wire” enables the continuous flow of 24 VAC power to the thermostat. Technically speaking, power flows from […]

Categories
Accessories Reviews Wiring adapters

No C-Wire? Venstar Add-a-Wire adapter has you covered

Problem: Your HVAC system lacks a C-wire (common wire) for your new WiFi thermostat Solution: Install a Venstar Add-a-Wire adapter! Venstar Add-a-Wire Adapter: a Simple Solution to a “Common” Problem Short a wire? If you are lacking the (ironically named) “common wire”, also known as the C-wire, you might be pleased to learn that there’s an adapter for that. The Venstar Add-a-Wire […]