If you’re amid the typical American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although the majority of houses rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” permanently.
When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s since it picks up on your temperature preferences and routine, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and adjust it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps it pay for itself in under two years. And most utility providers have 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 make sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may experience issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a pro like Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest is compatible 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 aging ones.
This covers heating and cooling systems that run on:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a simple transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest types of home comfort equipment, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning to complete the in-depth wiring and setup process.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve probably found information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes 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 ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use small amounts of power. Most of the time, this means they can operate correctly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning can add a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Getting a new thermostat makes it simple to stay on top of your heating and cooling bills while keeping your residences cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning can help you select the ideal model for your budget and then expertly install it. Call us at 760-784-9034 to get started now!