If you’re one of the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on utility expenses, installing a smart thermostat is a good method to keep heating and cooling bills under control. Although the majority of residences rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” every day.
When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s since it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and lower it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in under two years. And most utility companies have rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could have issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like CNR Air Conditioning Inc help you choose a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest created its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.
This covers heating and cooling systems that run on:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you get a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest types of home comfort units, including 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 professional like CNR Air Conditioning Inc to complete the detailed wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely found information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to use small amounts of power. Most of the time, this means they can work normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like CNR Air Conditioning Inc can add a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your heating and cooling bills while keeping your home cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, CNR Air Conditioning Inc can help you choose the right model for your needs and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 239-241-5318 to begin right away!