If you’re one of the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on utility expenses, adding a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep energy costs managed. Although many residences rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being made the most of because 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 makes 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 typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility providers offer 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 problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.
Here’s how to find out if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.
Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems
The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.
This involves heating and cooling systems that use:
- Natural gas
- Oil
- Electricity
Before you get a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a match, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest range of home comfort equipment, like 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 pro like Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc to complete the detailed wiring and setup steps.
Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?
If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely come across info 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 probably still okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to require 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 running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can install a C-wire for you.
Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick
Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your home comfy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Bain Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc can help you choose the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Give us a call at 256-270-1196 to start now!