If you’re one of the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on heating and cooling expenses, adding a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep utility expenses under control. Although the majority of homes rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” every day.
When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it adjusts to your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and adjust it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And most utility providers provide rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could have issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like Anderson Heating & A/C help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest number of home comfort systems, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a professional like Anderson Heating & A/C to complete the complicated wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely found details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t get enough power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to consume not much power. Most of the time, this means they can work normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Anderson Heating & A/C can install a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to manage your energy and cooling costs while keeping your residences comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Anderson Heating & A/C can help you choose the right model for your home and then skillfully install it. Call us at 775-230-7628 to begin today!