If you’re amid the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on energy expenses, installing a smart thermostat is a good method to keep utility bills low. Although the majority of houses use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being maximized because it’s on “hold” permanently.
When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it adjusts to your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and change it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And many utility companies have rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may have problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a specialist like Kilbourne Heating & AC help you choose 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 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 covers heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest number of home comfort systems, 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 do the in-depth wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve potentially run into details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw ample power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to require not much power. Most of the time, this means they can work correctly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Kilbourne Heating & AC can put in 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 home comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Kilbourne Heating & AC can help you find the right model for your home and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 561-287-7071 to begin right away!