If you’re one of the average American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an excellent method to keep energy bills low. Although mosthomes use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” all the time.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s due to the fact it adjusts to your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And many utility providers offer rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may experience problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like McFadden Heating & Cooling help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Runs with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest types of home comfort systems, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a specialist like McFadden Heating & Cooling to do the in-depth wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve probably run into information 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 likely still ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to use not much power. In most cases, this means they can work properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like McFadden Heating & Cooling can install a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your utility and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, McFadden Heating & Cooling can help you find the ideal model for your home and then professionally install it. Reach us at 519-683-2339 to begin now!