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

March 10, 2021

If you’re amid the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a good way to keep energy bills managed. Although many homes have programmable thermostats, yours likely 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 best sellers. That’s since it picks up on your temperature preferences and activities, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average 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 every year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility companies provide 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 make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you may experience issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Patterson & Stirling Inc help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest created its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including aging 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 provide an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest number of home comfort equipment, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a specialist like Patterson & Stirling Inc to complete the detailed wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve probably come across info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t pull 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 made to use small amounts of power. Most of the time, 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 pro like Patterson & Stirling Inc can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Patterson & Stirling Inc can help you find the ideal model for your home and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 814-308-0416 to start right away!