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carne__asada OP t1_j10blg9 wrote

Reply to comment by paleo2002 in FYI: Free or nearly free smart thermostats from NJ Power companies by carne__asada

Some (but not all) of the smart thermostats require an extra "C" wire compared to a standard thermostat. If you don't have this wire then you either need to use a thermostat that doesn't need it or pull a new wire. Most of the ecobees come with an adaptor to not require the wire and some of the Nest thermostats also do not need the wire (but still recommend it). Otherwise you just turn off power, unscrew the old one , disconnect the wires and reconnect to the new thermostat.

Also not every thermostat is compatible with every type of HVAC system so you need to check before you pick one.

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paleo2002 t1_j10g6uv wrote

Perhaps in the near future I should set up one of these home energy consults with PSE&G. They could probably advise on what type of thermostat would be compatible and whether I need some wiring work done.

Also, because I don't know where else to put this . . .

I've got a Mitsubishi mini-split A/C system. Mitsubishi offers a wireless smart thermostat solution as an add-on to the base system. It is expensive, requires professional installation, and the equipment is backordered due to supply chain issues, etc. However, I came across a simpler third-party solution. They're called Flair Pucks. They're basically wall-mounted IR remote controls that integrate with a wi-fi enabled hub and/or smart thermostat.

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murphydcat t1_j10km79 wrote

PSE&G gave me a free Google Nest thermostat but when I tried installing it, I learned that my apt lacks a C wire. I was able to sell the Nest for $50 though.

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