If you’re amid the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on energy costs, installing a smart thermostat is an excellent approach to keep utility bills under control. Although many residences use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of because it’s on “hold” permanently.
When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s because it learns your temperature preferences and routine, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and adjust it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And many utility businesses offer rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.
When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might have troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Contra Costa Heating & AC 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 Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest designed 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 purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a simple transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest types of home comfort systems, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a specialist like Contra Costa Heating & AC to complete the detailed wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve potentially come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t pull ample power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can run normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Contra Costa Heating & AC can install a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple
Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to keep track of your utility and cooling costs while keeping your residences comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Contra Costa Heating & AC can help you find the right model for your home and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 510-343-9841 to get started now!