If you’re among the average American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although many homes use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” every day.
When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s because it learns your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and adjust it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
On average, 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 the thermostat pay for itself in less two years. And most utility providers provide 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you may run into issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.
This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to provide a simple transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a match, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest range of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a specialist like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC to handle the in-depth wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve potentially come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t pull adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can operate properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can add a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your energy and cooling costs while keeping your residences comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Pliescott HVAC Services LLC can help you choose the ideal model for your home and then expertly install it. Call us at 410-228-4822 to start today!