If you’re one of the typical American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a great method to keep energy bills under control. Although the majority of houses use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being maximized because it’s on “hold” every day.
When getting 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 creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and change it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself faster than two years. And many utility companies provide 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 be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could experience issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a specialist like Connolly Electric & Mechanical help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to find out if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.
This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you buy a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest types of home comfort units, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a pro like Connolly Electric & Mechanical to do the complicated wiring and setup procedures.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t get enough power from the other wires.
If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can work normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Connolly Electric & Mechanical can put in a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your utility and cooling bills while keeping your home cozy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Connolly Electric & Mechanical can help you choose the ideal model for your budget and then skillfully install it. Give us a call at 928-251-4327 to get started right away!