March 10, 2021
If you’re amid the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling bills, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although many residences rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely 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 adjusts to your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and lower 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 bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the product pay for itself in under two years. And the majority of utility companies 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 make sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could have troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Winters Heating and Cooling help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest Works With Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest created its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that use:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to provide a simple transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest number of home comfort units, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a specialist like Winters Heating and Cooling to do the detailed wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve probably run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes 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 all right to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require little power. Most of the time, this means they can run properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Winters Heating and Cooling can add a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to stay on top of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your home comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Winters Heating and Cooling can help you choose the ideal model for your home and then professionally install it. Call us at 317-406-5382 to begin right away!