If you’re one of the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on energy costs, getting a smart thermostat is an excellent method to keep energy expenses managed. Although mosthouses rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” every day.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s since it learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in less two years. And most utility companies provide rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could run into troubles, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a pro like Precision Mechanical help you pick a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible 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 older ones.

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest types of home comfort equipment, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a specialist like Precision Mechanical to do the in-depth wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve probably found information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to use small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can run normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Precision Mechanical can install a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it easier to manage your utility and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Precision Mechanical can help you find the right model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Call us at 605-206-3766 to begin right away!