When you’re wanting methods to lower heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a smart decision. 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 keep an eye on your settings from just about 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 Wilkes Barre and Scranton.)

Most of the time, installing a smart home thermostat with the help of GLR Mechanical is a simple process if you have a new house. But what if your home is older or doesn’t have the right wiring? Can you still have a smart thermostat without C wire? We’ll help you navigate the process so you can choose the right thermostat and get energy savings for years to come.

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

Many programmable thermostats need batteries. When you’re upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll discover that many have to have 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 glitches.

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

  1. Switch off power to the thermostat at the breaker.
  2. Remove the thermostat and look at the wiring.
  3. If there are five or six multicolored wires, you have what’s needed for a smart thermostat. You might be thinking 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 almost there. 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 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 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 top 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 often share it with your home comfort system. However, you may need to have a pro like GLR Mechanical add a C wire with the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat if you’re having power problems or a battery that’s always drained.

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

Depend on GLR Mechanical for Your Smart Thermostat Installation Needs

At GLR Mechanical, we’re always seeking methods to keep you more comfortable while keeping energy expenses reasonable. If you want to learn more about switching to a smart thermostat without a C wire, contact us at 570-309-0403. We can help you pick the right model for your house and even install new wiring if necessary.