When you’re wanting ways to lower heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a wise move. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule that matches. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or on the go. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility company in Shamokin and Sunbury.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the support of LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is an uncomplicated task if you have a more modern house. But what if your residence is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can choose the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for many years.

What Is a C Wire and What Does It Do on a Thermostat?

Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use this wire, your new thermostat may cause your heating and cooling system to have malfunctions.

You can find out if you have a C wire by doing the following:

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and find the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what you need for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is often blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Check the C wire isn’t tucked within the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to put in one for you or you may be able to run your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor specifically for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to operate a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring is incompatible and you don’t want to put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may be an option for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to need very little power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a professional like LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. put in a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re experiencing power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

ecobee is compatible with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and has a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Rely on LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we’re always looking for methods to keep you comfier while keeping energy bills reasonable. If you have questions about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 570-648-0748. We can help you choose the right model for your residence and even add new wiring if needed.