If you’re among the average American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a good method to keep energy costs low. Although mosthomes use programmable thermostats, yours likely 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 since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and schedule, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the product pay for itself in less two years. And most utility businesses offer 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 be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could run into problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Select Comfort Systems help you pick a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes 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’s a match, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest range of home comfort units, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a professional like Select Comfort Systems to do the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve probably come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t draw enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to use small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can work correctly without this wire.

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

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to manage your heating and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Select Comfort Systems can help you find the best model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Give us a call at 801-305-4777 to start now!