If you’re among the average American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a good approach to keep utility costs under control. Although the majority ofhouses rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s due to the fact it adjusts to your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and change 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 bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps it pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility companies provide rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could run into problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Knoechel Heating help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to find out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.

Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a match, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest range of home comfort systems, 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 likely need a professional like Knoechel Heating to do 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 potentially run into details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t draw ample power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still okay to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use little power. Most of the time, 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 Knoechel Heating can install a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your utility and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Knoechel Heating can help you find the ideal model for your budget and then professionally install it. Reach us at 724-425-5852 to start now!