If you’re among the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 every year on energy expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a great approach to keeping energy bills low. Although the majority of residences rely on programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of since 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 develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise 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 each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in less 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 ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you may run into issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like Air Houston Mechanical LLC help you choose a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to figure out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.
Nest Works with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to operate with many different 24-volt systems, including older 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 make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest number of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a specialist like Air Houston Mechanical LLC to handle the complicated wiring and setup process.
Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve potentially run into info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers 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 okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require little power. Many times, this means they can run properly without this wire.
Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and notice odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Air Houston Mechanical LLC can install a C-wire for you.
Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy
Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to keep track of your utility and cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Air Houston Mechanical LLC can help you select the right model for your budget and then skillfully install it. Reach us at (832) 957-9332 to begin right away!
