by Michael L Hicks on (#56XRZ)
The C wire ("common" wire) is the wire that provides continuous power to your thermostat. Older thermostats didn't need it because they were simple on/off affairs, but smart thermostats need continuous power due to their LED displays and Wi-Fi-powered advanced functions. If you don't already have a C wire in your system, these smart thermostats use separate power sources or adapters that let you monitor your home climate without having to rewire your home.Simple and straightforwardNest Thermostat EStaff pickThis stripped-down version of Nest's Learning Thermostat is a great option for folks who don't want to spend too much and prefer things to be minimalist. The 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. Most importantly, the Thermostat E features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that bypasses the C Wire requirement.$170 at Bes...