If you’re among the average American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a good method to keep heating and cooling costs managed. Although mosthomes have programmable thermostats, yours likely 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 most popular options. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and activities, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average home, 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 the majority of utility companies provide rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you might run into troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like Ambience HVAC, Inc. help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This covers heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve checked it will work, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest number of home comfort equipment, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a professional like Ambience HVAC, Inc. to handle the in-depth wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely run into information 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 okay to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume 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 experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Ambience HVAC, Inc. can install a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Installing a new thermostat makes it simple to stay on top of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Ambience HVAC, Inc. can help you choose the right model for your home and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 302-239-HVAC (4822) to get started today!