Upgrading from a 4 Wire Thermostat to a 5 Wire Thermostat

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  • Опубликовано: 4 фев 2025

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  • @deantinney9120
    @deantinney9120 4 года назад +4

    Hey Dave,
    My Wife said: "The expensive service call is well worth it! You're retired, it's late, just call a service tech and have them do the project for us."
    I calmly replied: "You are right. But since you think that it's reasonable to spend the cash that would cost, I will just do it myself and throw that $250.00 or so into my "Mad Money/Project Fund".
    My humble opinions and offered thoughts:
    We are here in North Texas, where the HVAC comes in handy on occasion. Our weather is not as extreme as some other areas, but a properly functioning HVAC system and easily operated thermostat does REALLY help reduce that grinding, rattling clatter that blasts some guys from across the dining table day and night.
    As a retired Electronics Engineer, I want to thank you for this reference guide video. It serves the intended lookup much better than others I checked. I encourage you to assess what makes your approach different and stick with it.
    As for content, this video did not apply to my scenario. but provided me related context data that allowed me to determine the best solution for me to do a custom conversion. That's what I admire about the video... enough clear data allows handy, trained, or Pros to be reminded of context and even catch reminders about lazy/crazy installers tucking useful wires into hidden areas.
    An insight to share...
    One of the first things I was told about building prototypes in a design lab: "Don't use color coding for wiring." Naturally, I thought that sounds crazy, so you know that I asked "Why NOT?!"
    The answer surprised me, but knowing it has saved me a ton of time, aggravation and money.
    Some people discovered that the best way to make wiring as secret as most encrypted software, is to simply use a completely baffling color system. The toughest ones only change color for instance, at voltage differences, power v/s control usage or some other purpose that is known ONLY to the Designers, Makers, Engineers and Field Techs. WHY? It's obvious, when you think on it... It makes even a handy Engineer stop and usually, they call for Authorized, expensive service techs. It's true that it can help stop self-inflicted injuries, system damage, etc., but mostly it's used to prevent DIY wrenching.
    So before working on equipment that I don't already know, I almost always gather diagrams, codes, colors, ratings and other pertinent info. Sometimes I look it over and see that I can fihure all of it out just from training. experience and logic, but don't be too proud to look things up. Especially because you often find a RUclips video of someone who can save you time, money and maybe a couple of fingers or toes... Then:
    (1.) Check with a Voltmeter to make sure power is not miswired or crosswired by damage, to the metal control boxes, motor housings and other stuff you intend to touch. etc., creating a shock hazard. Remember, often times, if it wasn't messed up, you wouldn't be in the attic at lunch in July, or whatevet. You don't want to find your first case of deadly shorted wiring with your bare hands... it may be your last.
    (2.) Turn off the related breakers, TAG or list the breakers you need off and attach tags or noted list to the opened breaker box. Then go back to the work area and VERIFY with that voltmeter that power actually is cut off by the breakers you just switched.
    (3.) Starting at the functional equipment or main control board involved, TAKE A STARTING PHOTO. Check what your connection or wiring block labels are and map out the "Legend" of the wire colors actually used. Write down any other information you can see that matters. Seevif it matches the info you found, or if you need to search again!
    4. As you look for damages, burned wires and fuses, also look for extra wires in the Harness, Bundle or Tangle Wad you are dealing with. Sure, there can be wiring patches, junctions between here and a thermostat or other remotely located panel, but usually you'll spot that when you get to that panel and see that the wires don't match when you're mapping out that end... see, I solve many mysteries just by early mapping. People often make mistakes with these things when originally installing, or whiletrying to fix it before they call me... and THEN call me as a Pro, friend or Brother In Law. BTW, they seldom confess or advise on any of it!
    (5.) Since you have gathered diagrams, known color codes, legends that decode related markings and abbreviations etc., you are now prepared to troubleshoot, modify, customize an integration or invent the next module. Safely, quickly, profitably.
    NOBODY PROFITS MORE personally, than a DIY person who gets it done right and successfully, WITHOUT paying an expensive tech that isn't required, since they are Do It RIGHT Yourself people.
    Enjoy learning and making things better!
    Dean

  • @Timmmer
    @Timmmer 7 лет назад +95

    Watched 30 other videos..including Honeywell's. Yours is the only one that was simple and accurate.

    • @PoeLemic
      @PoeLemic 5 лет назад +5

      Yeah, Tim, NO FREAKING KIDDING. This guy is genius level. The Einstein of A/C instruction. Big kudos to JustAz.

    • @abeecruz
      @abeecruz 5 лет назад

      Yes! This video is the only one that informs you about the h vac!!

    • @ballpython3310
      @ballpython3310 4 года назад +3

      I watched honeywell's ... they tell you to turn the power back on at the end but never tell you to turn the power off in the beginning lol.

    • @fuelerr
      @fuelerr 4 года назад +1

      I agree. My furnace guy said I had no C wire but hey presto there it was just waiting to be hooked up. Now I have 24v power to my thermostat.

    • @shet0011
      @shet0011 4 года назад

      Still relevant and valuable. Thanks so much!

  • @GeorgeBarbery-r3y
    @GeorgeBarbery-r3y 6 месяцев назад +2

    This video is thorough and it gives people the exact steps necessary to install a 5-wire system into a 4-wire system. Excellent!

  • @luvdocumentary
    @luvdocumentary 5 лет назад +1

    Wow.. I've watched 5 videos and yours was the only one with the tip about checking for unused wires tucked into the wall. This saved me not only money but from the hassle of having someone come over. Thanks!

  • @michaellighter
    @michaellighter 5 лет назад +7

    I think I echo others in saying that I have watched at least a half a dozen videos and was still confused until I watched your video. Thanks so much for taking the time to fully explain the steps and giving an understanding of what everything is and why. Many Thanks!!

  • @Johntheheadache
    @Johntheheadache 2 года назад

    Dear friend, your genius is not just your knowledge, it's your uncanny ability to teach concepts in such a simple way. Thank you!

  • @markvermilyea7413
    @markvermilyea7413 4 года назад

    I watched several videos and yours was the only one that explained to check that the C wire was connected at the furnace. My wire bundle only had 4 wires and I was getting super frustrated. Then I watched you explain it all. I simply had to run a single wire from the C terminal at the furnace to the thermostat, and it worked!! Thank you so much!!

  • @sighznoname
    @sighznoname 3 года назад +3

    You are my hero!!! I’ve been so frustrated and returned the smart thermostat I had purchased. Just could not find a walk through or what I was missing. Your walk through is clear, concise, & educational! Thank you!!!

  • @nohardfelnz
    @nohardfelnz 2 года назад +1

    As mentioned 100 times, you are a life saver....hard to imagine this was 5 years ago...you are a very good teacher! Thank You!

  • @ivosan11
    @ivosan11 3 года назад

    Of all the videos about upgrading to smart thermostat, this is the most useful

  • @colemant6845
    @colemant6845 5 лет назад +1

    Wish all RUclips videos were like this one. Clear, Concise, Short and answered the most common C wire/No C wire questions the novice might have. Well Done! Thanks

  • @JohnAnderson-sz5yj
    @JohnAnderson-sz5yj 8 месяцев назад

    This video was spot on and to the point. After an extensive internet search and watching several other videos, yours is the only one that explained the problem and provided a solution. THANK YOU! You earned a new subscriber!

  • @ahyungrocks5509
    @ahyungrocks5509 3 года назад

    Thank you for taking the time to use white board for explanation. This is the only video I found with clear and simple instruction.

  • @ToddTaylorTX
    @ToddTaylorTX 5 лет назад

    Just want to say thanks! Bought a Nest and their compatibility checker showed compatibility with a Honeywell 4 wire but when I wired it up it gave me an e73 error (no power). Your video gave me confidence to bypass the nonsensical Honeywell wiring box (wires labeled as 1, 2, 3, 4... thanks Honeywell) and wire directly to the AC unit + the Common Blue Wire... it now works like a champ. It gives me great joy not having to call and HVAC Tech out. Happy Holidays!

  • @worldofjohnboy
    @worldofjohnboy 6 лет назад +13

    Thank you for this, especially the whiteboard diagram... I had a four wire to my thermostat, purchased a five wire and taped it to the existing, fished it down and attached the wires as you showed to the furnace. Now my nest thermostat no longer trips the AC breaker with the common wire hooked up!

  • @tidehoof
    @tidehoof 7 лет назад +5

    This is one of the most informative youtube videos I have ever watched. I have a nest thermostat and it has been struggling with power stealing issues all summer due to a lack of a common wire. Thank you.

  • @gerrylangdon2503
    @gerrylangdon2503 2 месяца назад

    This guy knows what he's talking about and describes it so even I can understand. My Honeywell wi-fi thermostat is now running great and I can view and modify the temperature from anywhere in the world. 😀😀

  • @beverlylewis2112
    @beverlylewis2112 Год назад

    You the man Bob. Been looking for an answer for the four wire issue for my new thermostat and only had 4 wires. thank you Bob

  • @william.2102
    @william.2102 Год назад

    Had a 4 wire thermostat that worked fine but wanted to relocate a new smart thermostat to a more logical location. The original stat was right in the middle of a main wall in the living room and I wanted to use that wall for a TV or some artwork. Relocated a new stat in the hall about 7 feet away from the original.
    Had to get in the crawlspace to run a new 5 wire cable. Came up thru the floor in a hall closet and routed the cable behind the closet door frame trim.
    Long story short. Took me several days of planning and an entire day to run the wire.
    Your vid will help me wire the new unit correctly.
    Thanks.

  • @st.timmys9525
    @st.timmys9525 2 года назад

    Thanks for the video. Planning on installing a new smart, wifi thermostat and I may not have an additional wire for the common. Your information about using a jumper at the unit may be just what I need.

  • @vicsanchez4945
    @vicsanchez4945 3 года назад

    Fantastic Video. I had 5 wires but only four were being used on my old Thermostat. The c wire was not connected on the furnace side. Connected it and the Honeywell thermostat is working amazing. Thank you so much.

  • @DPHINSFAN34
    @DPHINSFAN34 5 лет назад +2

    I did your no green wire trick and got it up and running tonight. Thanks for the backdoor/cheap idea

  • @lcauvin9
    @lcauvin9 6 лет назад

    This video is head and shoulders above most videos. Bob is a really great teacher.

  • @briankurtyka308
    @briankurtyka308 6 лет назад +4

    This is one of the best videos I have ever watched to learn how to do something. Very clear, simple and understandable. I NEVER have commented on a video before but this one is GREAT! Bob you should be a teacher or an instructor. Probably spent a good amount of time making a script and editing but it turned out great. Thank you. Brian K

  • @NewShockerGuy
    @NewShockerGuy 4 года назад

    THANK YOU for explaining this. No one could explain the 5 wire and how easy it was to check/correct. I had no clue what the colors were or did and your video was great! This is what RUclips is about!

  • @moonpiespotlight4759
    @moonpiespotlight4759 5 лет назад +1

    Extremely well explained. I cannot vouch for the accuracy but you seem confident enough that I don't feel any doubt about it.

  • @rjrosel
    @rjrosel 3 года назад

    This was they most informative video on converting 4 wire to 5 wire. Thank you sir

  • @donkenorn
    @donkenorn 5 лет назад +2

    Ditto with prev comment.
    In my opinion, Dave, you are a gifted natural teacher!
    As I watched, I would think, but "what if", and VOILA, you would provide an answer in your next sentence. Well done! Thanks.

  • @johnson554671
    @johnson554671 2 года назад

    I really appreciate all the effort you made into putting this video. Upgrading from a 4 wire honeywell thermostat to an Amazon 5 wire smart thermostat. Very helpful!

  • @ITSmike6736
    @ITSmike6736 4 года назад

    Simple, straightforward explanation. Thanks! Saved me $280 for installing 2 thermostats.

  • @sarahsalazar3915
    @sarahsalazar3915 6 лет назад +2

    This video saved my life, I was so lost trying to figure out what to do since the blue wire in our unit was cut several times. Your green to yellow wire trick worked perfectly.

  • @howardpecker9536
    @howardpecker9536 9 месяцев назад

    Thanks for G to Y tip and explaining why it's OK to do that. Solves a lot of issues.

  • @patthompy347
    @patthompy347 Месяц назад

    Exellent video, very helpful. Works great for wiring a 5 wire system with 4 wires. Thank you.

  • @cosmogirolamo5920
    @cosmogirolamo5920 2 года назад

    Fantastic video. Love the hack to make a 4-wire system run a 5-wire system. Thank you.

  • @rowdyboostejk1873
    @rowdyboostejk1873 5 лет назад

    How could anyone thumbs down this video?!?!?!? Explained very well, and in a pinch or like Bob said got to go an incredible distance and don't want to do drywall work too (also,some of us don't have an outlet within 20 feet of our thermostat for power plug). Excellent video!

  • @danayost9326
    @danayost9326 6 лет назад +2

    You rock. I had this exact circumstance, you were a life saver for a not so handy homeowner. Worked perfectly. Thanks

  • @franciscocarreon465
    @franciscocarreon465 6 лет назад +1

    I want to express my congratulations on a job well done and your explanation was very clear and proper dialogue.

  • @godsholytemplechurch5350
    @godsholytemplechurch5350 4 года назад

    Most simple and efficient explanation i have ever seen on this topic. Thank you!!!

  • @efstathios1
    @efstathios1 7 лет назад +3

    THANK YOU
    this has to be the BEST explanation of how to do this conversion!!!!!!!
    Very clear and very succinct.
    Again THANK YOU

  • @bjb6028
    @bjb6028 5 лет назад +1

    Thank you for this informative video. It is simple and straightforward. I have all the components needed to install the thermostat, but I was too afraid to screw things up. After watching this video, I feel like I'm ready to do this. Thanks!!!

  • @reffan2204
    @reffan2204 7 месяцев назад

    The best. Many others show doing things, but don't explain the whys and hows.

  • @marias5248
    @marias5248 7 лет назад

    Love the visuals, makes it easier to understand. Very simple instructions and JUST what I needed. I wasn't going to make this purchase until I saw your video. MANY THANKS!

  • @beehive141
    @beehive141 4 года назад

    Outstanding explanation I never seen anyone break it down the way u did .. your the bestest !!!

  • @patricksmith5312
    @patricksmith5312 3 года назад

    Hey, just wanted to say, Huge Thanks for this video. Being able to install a 5 wire wifi system with only 4 wires, at the cost of not using the fan feature which I have never used. Is completely worth it. Just finished my install and system and wifi are working great. Thanks again.

  • @glyakk
    @glyakk 2 года назад

    Hands down best video explaing everything very clearly!

  • @VasylGladun
    @VasylGladun 3 года назад

    Probably the best video on the subject. Thank you.

  • @shayf8369
    @shayf8369 6 лет назад +1

    Great video! Exactly what we needed. The Honeywell site was useless. Thank you!

    • @abeecruz
      @abeecruz 5 лет назад

      Extremely useless!

  • @yancyana7750
    @yancyana7750 4 года назад

    The visual was very helpful. Thank you for sharing this video.

  • @fernandorosillo9715
    @fernandorosillo9715 4 года назад

    Beautifull job and explanation. You did simple and great. I love your way. Thanks for your time and your help.

  • @steven.h0629
    @steven.h0629 6 лет назад +1

    Great Video.. thanks !
    I personally love the fine detail describing each wire, what they should do, and where to find each end :-)

  • @chadisbell4187
    @chadisbell4187 2 года назад

    This is a great video. Thank you for explaining what all the wires mean. I feel this should be very easy to accomplish.

  • @EpiphyteX
    @EpiphyteX 6 лет назад +1

    Thanks for the video, this porcess was far simpler than I had expected and you definitely saved me from calling an HVAC tech unnecessarily

  • @burrbentine
    @burrbentine 3 года назад

    This is gonna save me hours of work pulling new wire

  • @robsteinberger1749
    @robsteinberger1749 6 лет назад +1

    You are the man - love the option of relocating the G wire if necessary, didn't see that anywhere else. I'm going to do it!

  • @JimmyHFinancial
    @JimmyHFinancial 6 лет назад +1

    Great video sir... this is by far the best vidro explaining the 4 wires to 5 wires issue.. thanks for sharing

  • @emana6474
    @emana6474 4 года назад

    You are good. You made complicated thing so easy to do. You are awesome. Thank You.

  • @dannyharpermusic
    @dannyharpermusic 2 года назад

    The best video for this!! Very well explained. Thank you

  • @shockracer
    @shockracer 6 лет назад

    Thanks to your simple, clear, and straightforward discription of the extra unused wires and if applicable, you can use one for the C-wire. Thanks for your video! I ended up installing an EcoBee4 and it now works perfectly!

    • @richellebrittain2127
      @richellebrittain2127 5 лет назад

      If you had looked at the bottom of your ecobee box (it's in all of them AFAIK) when you installed it, you woulda seen their "Power Extender Kit" which effectively substitutes the G-wire for the C-wire *without* losing fan control as in this video's solution. Similar devices exist for other thermostats.

  • @vueport99
    @vueport99 3 года назад

    Crystal clear instruction.. Triple thumbs up!

  • @Toeknee462
    @Toeknee462 2 года назад

    Incredible video. Thank you. Saved me a $150 service call

  • @jsubs
    @jsubs 4 года назад

    You made it easy and simple to install! Great Video!!

  • @joeoconor3408
    @joeoconor3408 6 лет назад

    This guy is awesome! Very good explanation. All we need to understand how AC works .

  • @mikelee73
    @mikelee73 6 лет назад

    Best video exlaining the c wire for wifi thermostats

  • @ramsys9906
    @ramsys9906 7 лет назад

    The most descriptive up to the point, now i can confidently buy Honeywell T5. Thanks buddy.

  • @darbracer
    @darbracer 7 лет назад

    Thanks Bob! Would never have thought of extra wires tucked in the wall but there sure was! Thanks again, great video

    • @Cmarch75
      @Cmarch75 7 лет назад

      I. Have honey well 8000. I connect the red wire to the r and rc but no. Power

  • @eeyorehikes2805
    @eeyorehikes2805 4 года назад +1

    Holy crap man. You're really good at explaining stuff! Lol. I'm not even changing my thermostat, just randomly stumbled upon your video. Watched the whole thing 😆🤙

    • @hardyb311
      @hardyb311 4 года назад

      I'm buying this unit today and following his steps pretty plain and simple instructions.

  • @abeecruz
    @abeecruz 5 лет назад +1

    This video tells u to check your HVac!! This is soooo helpful!! No other video told me to check that.
    Thanks A lot.

  • @starrynightk
    @starrynightk 5 лет назад

    Thank you. Very easy to understand the way you explain it.

  • @Doctrtony
    @Doctrtony 4 года назад

    Thanks!! Great info, can also send a jumper from the nearest outlet using a 24v ac transformer!

  • @peterv1806
    @peterv1806 6 лет назад +11

    Outstanding explanation - thank you so much!

  • @drancealot
    @drancealot 3 года назад

    That was great. Not sure if I have a C wire but I'm thinking I don't. This will save me a lot of work! Thanks!

  • @TARANS012
    @TARANS012 Год назад

    Best video ever especially if you are instalking Amazon thermostat which has 0 instructions

  • @johnpolos8796
    @johnpolos8796 4 года назад

    As an hvac student I appreciate this info, well explained!

  • @geodj67
    @geodj67 5 лет назад

    Wow! thank you so much for the straightforward and easy to understand video on how to solve the issue of no c-wire for the uber-novice!

  • @BirdsRule123
    @BirdsRule123 6 лет назад

    Thank you! Had no extra wires stuck in the wall, but your instructions walked me through!!

  • @ericmorales6262
    @ericmorales6262 6 лет назад

    Excellent video, very thorough and easy to follow. I learned a lot in less than 10 minutes. Thanks

  • @jayjaykingbee5566
    @jayjaykingbee5566 6 лет назад +1

    job well done!!! Technically the compressor doesn't use the 24 volt "C" but the 24 volt coil on the contactor which controls the line power used to start/stop the compressor does, and same for the blower motor, the 24v is feeding a "fan relay" which in turn controls the line voltage to blower.

  • @joshuafreeman6720
    @joshuafreeman6720 6 лет назад

    Well done!! The blooper at the end made it worth the watch. Thank you

  • @KTJohnson_901
    @KTJohnson_901 3 года назад

    Best instructional for five wire systems. 👌

  • @honkbob
    @honkbob 3 месяца назад

    Great video, thanks! In my case, I have 5 wires at the thermostat, no problem! But the HVAC installer cut the 5th wire off over a foot from the (C) terminal in the furnace board. haha. I had to find and fix the 5th wire. crazy he did that.

  • @Royal2Motion
    @Royal2Motion 6 лет назад

    Very nicely done, even though my project will be a little more taxing as I only have R and W and need C. this instruction was very encouraging and well organized, thanks for you time and for share this knowledge sir!

  • @petergretes6109
    @petergretes6109 5 лет назад

    Bob your instructions are very good and easy to understand. There are only 4 wires coming out at the thermostat. You mention to put a jumper wire at the G and the Y terminals at the hvac ang the fan will run when the compressor runs. Where does the fan get power to run when the heat is on?

    • @nclefty5775
      @nclefty5775 10 месяцев назад

      I believe the answer is that the furnace controls the fan in heat mode.

  • @angelalburquerque7457
    @angelalburquerque7457 7 лет назад

    Great video. Don’t forget to cover the big hole in the wall to avoid wrong thermostat reading due to draft.

  • @garysmith1137
    @garysmith1137 4 года назад

    Perfect Video. Explained everything perfect. My exact thermostat set up. Thanks so much.

  • @jerseystrong7284
    @jerseystrong7284 5 лет назад

    Bob thank you for breaking down your video instructions into simplest terms. You pay attention to detail. Thank You , keep up the good work

  • @benjaminduval6054
    @benjaminduval6054 Год назад

    Dude, saved me hundreds of $$$. Much respect.

  • @thihal123
    @thihal123 7 лет назад

    We were really really lucky in our new home. The HVAC came with a very old thermostat and the C wire was not connected to the thermo but was connected to the C terminal at the HVAC end. The builder also has installed a junction box so we didn't have to drill any holes but we did have to install a mount adapter.

  • @howieb38
    @howieb38 5 лет назад +2

    Very well done video. It is on my "Saved" list for future reference. Thanks.

  • @darrinsepulveda2068
    @darrinsepulveda2068 5 лет назад

    Awesome video explained it all in a easy way that demonstrates it all. keep up the great work thank you.

  • @wolfgreen162
    @wolfgreen162 3 года назад

    Thank you very much for a simple explanation. No bull shit, just right to the point.

  • @ThatEarthyChic
    @ThatEarthyChic 2 года назад

    Great video. Thanks for the insights.

  • @jose9755
    @jose9755 3 года назад

    Thanks for the video, I’m going to put a new one with wifi and I don’t have the blue wire but I have the brown one I’m going to use that wire for the c wire, you save me to run another wire to my thermostat. 👍👍

  • @brucestauffenberg6280
    @brucestauffenberg6280 Год назад

    Very good instruction and video. Thank you

  • @Engineerboy100
    @Engineerboy100 5 лет назад

    Fantastic video! I think you solved my problem for me, haven't tried it yet but I think the blue wire in the attic is not connected. If that is my problem, and you have solved it, you are the MAN!!! :o

  • @Renrondog
    @Renrondog 7 лет назад

    Excellent video and presentation, concise and accurate. Thank you for taking the time to make a quality product.

  • @SergeySnovsky
    @SergeySnovsky Год назад

    Thank you! Saved me from having to buy a C-Wire adapter! The wire was in the wall.

  • @NHseacoast
    @NHseacoast 5 лет назад

    Nice explanation ! most don’t talk about the C wire which I don’t have and as a result I don’t mind using use the automatic fan function only.

  • @georgebronstein8588
    @georgebronstein8588 6 лет назад

    Thank you! Best demonstration and explanation I’ve come across.

  • @Catmanjr56
    @Catmanjr56 7 лет назад +1

    EXCELLENT VIDEO! VERY WELL EXPLAINED! SAVED ME LOTS OF HEADACHE. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

  • @shaynehall9172
    @shaynehall9172 5 лет назад +4

    This was incredibly helpful, thank you very much!