If you’re among the average American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on energy expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a good method to keep energy expenses managed. Although the majority ofhomes rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s due to the fact it learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And many utility businesses have rebate programs that help you purchase 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you could have problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like Bishop’s HVAC help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.

Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the biggest number of home comfort systems, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a specialist like Bishop’s HVAC to handle the in-depth wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve potentially found info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t draw enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use not much power. Most of the time, this means they can run normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Bishop’s HVAC can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Installing a new thermostat makes it easier to manage your energy and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Bishop’s HVAC can help you find the best model for your budget and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 916-591-6889 to begin today!