If you’re one of the average American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep energy bills managed. Although many homes use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” permanently.
When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the product pay for itself in less two years. And most utility businesses offer rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may experience problems, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling help you select a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.
Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest created its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you get a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure a simple transition. Once you’ve checked it will work, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the widest number of home comfort equipment, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a specialist like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling to handle the in-depth wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve potentially found information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t pull ample power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still okay to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to use small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can operate properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can put in a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your residences comfortable. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help you choose the best model for your home and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 614-451-0846 to begin today!