If you’re one of the average American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on heating and cooling costs, installing a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep heating and cooling costs managed. Although most residences rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” permanently.
When upgrading your 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 creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise 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 bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And most utility companies 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might experience problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like B & B Heating & Cooling help you choose 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 Most Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that use:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a match, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the biggest range of home comfort systems, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a professional like B & B Heating & Cooling to complete the detailed wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t draw adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can operate normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like B & B Heating & Cooling can put in a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to keep track of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, B & B Heating & Cooling can help you find the ideal model for your needs and then expertly install it. Call us at 314-325-7552 to get started right away!