If you’re among the average American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on energy bills, getting a smart thermostat is a great way to keep energy costs under control. Although mosthomes rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” all the time.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s due to the fact it learns your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And the majority of utility providers have 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might have issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.

Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.

This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a simple 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 works with the biggest number of home comfort units, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a pro like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning to complete the complicated wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume not much power. Many times, this means they can run properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can install a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your heating and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning can help you select the ideal model for your home and then expertly install it. Reach us at 949-204-0859 to get started right away!