If you’re amid the average American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on energy bills, adding a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep heating and cooling expenses low. Although the majority of homes rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of 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 due to the fact it learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in less two years. And many utility businesses offer rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you could experience problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a expert like Western Mechanical, Inc. help you select a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.
Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you get a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a match, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the biggest types of home comfort equipment, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a specialist like Western Mechanical, Inc. to complete the in-depth wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on 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 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 created to consume not much power. Most of the time, this means they can run correctly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Western Mechanical, Inc. can install a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your residences comfortable. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Western Mechanical, Inc. can help you select the best model for your home and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 435-753-5515 to start now!