If you’re among the average American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on utility bills, adding a smart thermostat is an excellent method to keep utility expenses low. Although manyresidences have programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” all the time.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it 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 product pay for itself in under two years. And many utility companies have rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may experience problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like Lakeside Heating & Air help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to find out if the Nest can run 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 that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest types of home comfort units, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a specialist like Lakeside Heating & Air to complete the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes 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 all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume little power. Many times, this means they can work normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Lakeside Heating & Air can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your energy and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Lakeside Heating & Air can help you select the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Reach us at 509-284-4265 to begin today!