If you’re amid the typical American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on utility bills, installing a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep utility expenses under control. Although most residences have programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” permanently.
When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s due to the fact it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the product pay for itself in less two years. And most utility businesses provide 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 ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might experience issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest created 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 run the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a simple transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest types of home comfort equipment, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating to do the complicated wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve probably found details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t pull ample power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume not much power. In most cases, this means they can work properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can add a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your heating and cooling costs while keeping your house comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating can help you find the ideal model for your home and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 641-628-3621 to begin today!