If you’re among the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on heating and cooling bills, installing a smart thermostat is a fantastic method to keep energy costs under control. Although many homes use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of as 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 picks up on your temperature preferences and routine, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and adjust it from almost 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 each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in under two years. And the majority of utility providers provide rebate programs that help you purchase 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 true 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 critical to have a pro like TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to find out 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 operate with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you get a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the widest number of home comfort systems, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a specialist like TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical to complete the complicated wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve probably run into details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use little 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 professional like TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can add a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to keep track of your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your house comfy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can help you choose the ideal model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Give us a call at 847-362-0262 to start right away!