If you’re amid the average American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on energy costs, installing a smart thermostat is a fantastic method to keep utility bills managed. Although most homes rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” all the time.
When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in less two years. And the majority of 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might experience troubles, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a pro like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the biggest number of home comfort units, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to handle the complicated wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?
If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve potentially run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t pull enough power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to consume small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can work properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can put in a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your heating and cooling bills while keeping your house comfortable. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help you select the right model for your budget and then expertly install it. Reach us at 804-302-6657 to begin now!