If you’re among the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on utility costs, installing a smart thermostat is a great way to keep utility costs low. Although most residences rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” all the time.
When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and activities, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and change it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the product pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility companies offer 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 make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may run into problems, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional like Three Rivers Heating & Cooling help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to find out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest Runs with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that use:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you get a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest range of home comfort equipment, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a professional like Three Rivers Heating & Cooling to do the in-depth wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t get ample power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still all right to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to use not much power. In most cases, this means they can run correctly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can add a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to keep track of your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your residences comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can help you choose the right model for your needs and then expertly install it. Reach us at 503-213-4433 to begin today!