If you’re one of the average American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep heating and cooling expenses low. Although mosthouses use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” every day.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and lower it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in under two years. And most utility businesses provide 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 be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might experience troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like Select Comfort Systems help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to figure out if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to provide an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a match, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the largest types of home comfort equipment, 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 likely need a specialist like Select Comfort Systems to do the complicated wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely found info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume not much power. Many times, this means they can operate correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Select Comfort Systems can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to manage your heating and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Select Comfort Systems can help you find the right model for your home and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 801-305-4777 to get started today!