Want to Get the Nest Smart Thermostat? Figure Out if Its Compatible with Your HVAC System First

March 10, 2021

If you’re amid the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep energy expenses managed. Although the majority of homes rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” every day.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s since it learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility businesses have rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might have problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Stanford Heating & Cooling help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Runs with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest number of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like Stanford Heating & Cooling to complete the complicated wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely found information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t pull enough 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 designed to use little power. Most of the time, this means they can operate properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Stanford Heating & Cooling can install a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your utility and cooling costs while keeping your home comfy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Stanford Heating & Cooling can help you choose the ideal model for your home and then skillfully install it. Give us a call at 812-825-8695 to get started now!