When you’re looking for methods to lower energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a wise decision. These devices adjust to your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. What’s even better is that you can regulate and watch your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re relaxing in bed or out and about. (You might even be able to get a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility provider in Newark.)

In many instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the assistance of Luikart Heating & Cooling is a simple process 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 demystify the process so you can select the right thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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

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

You can ascertain 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 required for a smart thermostat. You might be pondering what color is the C wire on a thermostat—and the answer to that is typically blue.
  4. If there are three or four thin multicolored wires, you’re close. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up 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 operate your new thermostat without one.
  5. If you have two thick wires, you may be able to install a smart thermostat with an adaptor just 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 is incompatible 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 could work for your home.

Nest says its thermostats are made to require very little power and can frequently share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Luikart Heating & Cooling add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s frequently drained.

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

Rely on Luikart Heating & Cooling for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Luikart Heating & Cooling, we’re always seeking methods to keep you cozier while keeping utility bills reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 740-344-5497. We can help you choose the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.