If you’re one of the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 every year on utility costs, installing a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although many houses have programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being maximized 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 learns your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise 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 bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps it pay for itself faster than two years. And many utility businesses offer 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 true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could experience issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a pro like Phelps Heating & Cooling help you pick a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest is Compatible 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 involves heating and cooling systems that use:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest types of home comfort systems, including 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 professional like Phelps Heating & Cooling to do the in-depth wiring and setup process.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve probably come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t get ample power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created 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 experiencing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Phelps Heating & Cooling can install a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your residences comfortable. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Phelps Heating & Cooling can help you select the best model for your needs and then expertly install it. Call us at 270-358-3167 to start today!