When you’re wanting ways to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent decision. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can change and monitor your settings from nearly anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to receive a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in Shamokin and Sunbury.)

Most of the time, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. is an uncomplicated task if you have a newer house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and receive energy savings for years to come.

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

Most programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many require a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat might cause your heating and cooling system to malfunction.

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

  1. Cut power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Take off the thermostat and check 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 nearly there. Make sure the C wire isn’t tucked in 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 designed for high-voltage systems. Or you may be able to install a battery-powered smart thermostat, like the Lux Geo Wi-Fi Thermostat, if your wiring won’t work and you don’t want to put in new wiring.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the top brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats may work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need minimal power and can typically share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist 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 constantly drained.

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

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

At LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc., we’re always on the lookout for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping utility expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 570-648-0748. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even add new wiring if necessary.