If you’re among the average American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a great method to keep utility bills managed. Although mosthouses use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and routine, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And many utility providers provide rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you might have issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional like Rescue Heating & Air help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.

This covers heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest range of home comfort units, like 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 Rescue Heating & Air to do the detailed wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely found details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume little power. Many times, this means they can work normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Rescue Heating & Air can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to stay on top of your energy and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Rescue Heating & Air can help you find the best model for your home and then expertly install it. Reach us at 361-265-4371 to get started right away!