When you’re wanting ways to reduce energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is an intelligent idea. These devices learn your favorite temperatures and routine and then create an energy-efficient schedule that fits. What’s even better is that you can regulate and monitor your settings from almost anywhere with your phone, whether you’re lying in bed or out and about. (You might even be eligible for a free smart thermostat depending on rebate programs from your utility supplier in York.)

In most instances, adding a smart home thermostat with the help of Strine's is an uncomplicated job if you have a new house. But what if your house is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you figure out the process so you can select the recommended thermostat and receive energy savings for a long time.

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

The majority of programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re making the move to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many need a C wire, or common wire, for power. If you don’t use 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. 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 thinking 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. Ensure the C wire isn’t rolled up inside the wall. If you can’t find one, we may be able to install 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 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 most popular brands are the Nest smart thermostat and ecobee smart thermostat. If you have two to four wires, these thermostats could work for your needs.

Nest says its thermostats are created to need very little power and can typically share it with your HVAC system. However, you may need to have a specialist like Strine's install a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re running into power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

ecobee works 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.

Depend on Strine's for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At Strine's, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to know more about installing a smart thermostat without a C wire, reach us at 717-383-4479. We can help you select the right model for your house and even install new wiring if needed.