If you’re one of the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on heating and cooling costs, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep energy bills managed. Although most houses use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of as it’s on “hold” all the time.
When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s due to the fact it picks up on your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in under two years. And many utility providers provide rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could experience issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Clean Air HVAC help you choose a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest created its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.
This involves heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest range of home comfort units, 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 often need a professional like Clean Air HVAC to do the complicated wiring and setup process.
Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve probably run into info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw enough power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to require small amounts of power. Most of the time, this means they can operate correctly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Clean Air HVAC can add a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Installing a new thermostat makes it easier to keep track of your utility and cooling costs while keeping your house cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Clean Air HVAC can help you select the right model for your budget and then expertly install it. Reach us at 925-233-6238 to get started today!