If you’re among the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep heating and cooling costs managed. Although many residences rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being maximized because it’s on “hold” all the time.
When getting a new 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 develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and lower it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.
For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And most utility companies have rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might have issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like Total Comfort help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest Runs with Most 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 run the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest types of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a pro like Total Comfort to do the complicated wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve potentially run into details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume little power. In most cases, this means they can operate normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Total Comfort can put in a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to manage your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your house comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Total Comfort can help you select the best model for your home and then expertly install it. Call us at 201-268-5663 to start now!