When you’re looking for ways to lower energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from just about anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Newark.)

Most of the time, hooking up a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Luikart Heating & Cooling is an uncomplicated job if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the correct wiring? Can you still install a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you demystify the process so you can choose the correct thermostat and enjoy energy savings for many years.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re switching to a smart thermostat, you’ll find that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t have this wire, your new thermostat could 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 check the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed 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 hidden in the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install one for you or you may be able to operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to run a smart thermostat with an adaptor designed 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 isn’t right and you don’t want to replace it.

Do Nest or ecobee Need a C Wire?

Two of the best-selling 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 needs.

Nest says its thermostats are designed to need not a lot of power and can often share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Luikart Heating & Cooling 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 connects with 24-volt systems (ones with three to six thermostat wires) and includes a C wire adaptor. So, you’re good if you don’t have a thermostat C wire.

Trust Luikart Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we’re always looking for methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping heating and cooling expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about upgrading to a smart thermostat without a C wire, give us a call at 740-344-5497. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.