If you’re amid the average American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on utility costs, adding a smart thermostat is a great way to keep utility expenses low. Although the majority ofhouses rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of as it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and lower it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the product pay for itself in less two years. And the majority of utility providers offer rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may have issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a expert like Kilbourne Heating & AC help you choose a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a match, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest types of home comfort units, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like Kilbourne Heating & AC to handle the in-depth wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve potentially found information 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 ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to require little power. Many times, this means they can run correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Kilbourne Heating & AC can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to keep track of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Kilbourne Heating & AC can help you select the ideal model for your needs and then expertly install it. Reach us at 561-287-7071 to begin now!