If you’re among the average American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic method to keep utility costs low. Although many houses rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” all the time.
When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it adjusts to your temperature preferences and schedule, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and adjust it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.
For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the product pay for itself faster than two years. And many utility companies offer rebate programs that help you get 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 important if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you might have problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work 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 aging ones.
This involves heating and cooling systems powered by:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure a simple transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the widest number 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 likely need a pro like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning 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 potentially found details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw 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 made to require small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can work normally without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can install a C-wire for you.
Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your energy and cooling expenses while keeping your residences cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find the right model for your budget and then professionally install it. Give us a call at 432-237-0168 to begin right away!