If you’re among the usual American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep utility expenses under control. Although the majority ofhomes have programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s due to the fact it learns your temperature preferences and routine, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the product pay for itself in under two years. And many utility providers have rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might experience problems, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Halverson Brothers Inc help you choose a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to figure out if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.

Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This covers heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the widest types of home comfort equipment, including 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 specialist like Halverson Brothers Inc to handle the detailed wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Require 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 runs your smart thermostat when it can’t draw adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to require not much power. Most of the time, this means they can run correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Halverson Brothers Inc can install a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to keep track of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Halverson Brothers Inc can help you select the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Reach us at 715-352-4052 to start now!