Want to Upgrade to the Nest Smart Thermostat? Figure Out if Its Right for Your HVAC System

March 10, 2021

If you’re one of the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on utility costs, installing a smart thermostat is a great way to keep heating and cooling expenses low. Although many homes have programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being maximized as it’s on “hold” every day.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and adjust it from nearly 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 each year, which helps the product pay for itself in under two years. And many utility businesses offer 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 ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might experience troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a specialist like Solar Air Inc. 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 is Compatible 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 covers heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to ensure a simple transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a match, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest range of home comfort systems, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a professional like Solar Air Inc. to complete the complicated wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve potentially found information 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 probably still all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to require little power. Many times, 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 professional like Solar Air Inc. can add a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your house cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Solar Air Inc. can help you find the ideal model for your budget and then expertly install it. Reach us at 954-320-7398 to get started right away!