If you’re amid the average American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although most residences have programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of as it’s on “hold” permanently.
When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself quicker than two years. And most utility companies offer rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might run into problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a pro like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling help you choose a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.
Nest Runs with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This includes 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 provide a simple transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest types of home comfort equipment, like 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 Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling to handle the complicated wiring and setup process.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t pull adequate power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can operate properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can install a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your house comfortable. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help you choose the right model for your home and then professionally install it. Call us at 515-207-6569 to get started today!