If you’re amid the average American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a great approach to keep energy costs under control. Although most residences rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage since 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 activities, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the product pay for itself faster than two years. And the majority of utility providers offer 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may have issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional like J & J Air Conditioning help you choose a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.
This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the widest range of home comfort units, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like J & J Air Conditioning to handle the detailed wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve potentially run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t draw adequate 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 not much power. Many times, this means they can run correctly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like J & J Air Conditioning can put in a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your residences comfortable. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your home, J & J Air Conditioning can help you select the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Call us at 254-355-3833 to begin now!