Archived Thread

NFT: Thermostat Eating Batteries

BigBlueDownTheShore : 2/20/2017 12:45 pm

The Thermostat in my house is eating through batteries. Seems like I replace them once a month. Anyone had this problem before and know how to fix it?

Did you change thermostats recently? Or is this just new behavior?

guitarguybs12 : 2/20/2017 12:59 pm : link

I upgraded my thermostat a couple years ago and had the same issue, not realizing that I was missing a "C" / Common wire to provide continuous 24V to the thermostat, the batteries were really just for backup to save schedules,settings and whatnot in case of power loss.

It's a preexisting Thermostat

BigBlueDownTheShore : 2/20/2017 1:10 pm : link

I don't own, just trying to figure out what the issue could be.

It shouldn't be running on batteries at all should it?

Patrick77 : 2/20/2017 2:33 pm : link

I just installed a Sensi wifi thermostat at home. So long as you have 24v continuous power through the c-wire the batteries shouldn't be used I would think. My guess is a corroded or loose connection on your c-wire. I had to run a new one from my furnace - took 10 minutes and about $10 worth of wire.

Not all thermostats/furnaces provide c-wires

Scyber : 2/20/2017 2:38 pm : link

Plenty of digital models are designed to run on batteries only for months.

If the batteries are draining quickly I'd assume its some sort of problem though. You said you don't own, did you contact the landlord?

replace the thermostat?

mdc1 : 2/21/2017 10:41 am : link