If you’re among the average American households who spends more than $2,000 every year on utility expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic method to keep energy bills managed. Although the majority ofhouses use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” all the time.

When getting 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 creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and change 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 every year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And many utility providers offer rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may run into troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical 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 determine if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs 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 covers 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 checked it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest number of home comfort systems, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a specialist like Contra Costa Heating & AC to do the complicated wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve probably run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t get ample power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume small amounts of power. Most of the time, this means they can operate properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Contra Costa Heating & AC can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to manage your heating and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Contra Costa Heating & AC can help you select the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Give us a call at 510-343-9841 to begin today!