If you’re amid the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep utility bills low. Although most homes use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being maximized because it’s on “hold” all the time.
When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and adjust it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself faster than two years. And most utility providers provide rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you could experience issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like Lakeside Heating & Air help you select 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 Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest number of home comfort equipment, 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 professional like Lakeside Heating & Air to complete the in-depth wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve probably come across 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 usually still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume not much power. Many times, this means they can operate normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Lakeside Heating & Air can install a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to manage your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your house cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Lakeside Heating & Air can help you choose the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Reach us at 509-284-4265 to start now!