If you’re amid the average American households who pay more than $2,000 every year on heating and cooling costs, installing a smart thermostat is a good way to keep energy expenses managed. Although many homes use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” all the time.
When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s because it learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and raise it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the product pay for itself faster than two years. And many utility providers have 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 be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might have troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a specialist like Age Heating & Cooling help you choose a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to find out if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the largest types of home comfort equipment, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a specialist like Age Heating & Cooling to do the in-depth wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve probably come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still all right to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to use little power. Many times, this means they can operate properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Age Heating & Cooling can add a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to manage your utility and cooling bills while keeping your home cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Age Heating & Cooling can help you select the ideal model for your budget and then expertly install it. Reach us at 208-578-4258 to start right away!