Want to Install the Nest Smart Thermostat? Figure Out if Its Compatible with Your HVAC System First

March 10, 2021

If you’re among the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 every year on utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a good approach to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although most homes rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being maximized as it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new 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 raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself faster than two years. And many utility companies have rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you might have issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like Air Service Co. help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including aging ones.

This involves heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to provide an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a match, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest number of home comfort equipment, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a professional like Air Service Co. to complete the complicated wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve potentially run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs 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 all right to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to require not much power. In most cases, this means they can work correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Air Service Co. can install a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to manage your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your house cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Air Service Co. can help you find the right model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Give us a call at 918-212-8943 to start now!