If you’re among the usual American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an excellent approach to keep energy costs low. Although manyhouses have programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” every day.

When installing a new 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 keep an eye on it and change it from just about 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 annually, which helps it pay for itself in under two years. And most utility companies have rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you may run into troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Colvin's Heating and Cooling help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.

Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a match, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest types of home comfort systems, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like Colvin's Heating and Cooling to handle the in-depth wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely come across information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t get ample power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use little power. Most of the time, this means they can run normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Colvin's Heating and Cooling can add a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your energy and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Colvin's Heating and Cooling can help you choose the ideal model for your home and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 816-379-3918 to begin now!