If you’re one of the average American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on energy expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep heating and cooling expenses under control. Although the majority ofresidences have programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” all the time.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s since it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and lower it from nearly 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 every year, which helps it pay for itself in under two years. And many utility providers have rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might experience issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a expert like Patterson & Stirling help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to provide a simple 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 can run with the largest number of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like Patterson & Stirling to do the in-depth wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t pull enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to use little power. Many times, this means they can work properly 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 can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Getting a new thermostat makes it simple to stay on top of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Patterson & Stirling can help you choose the best model for your budget and then professionally install it. Reach us at 814-308-0416 to start today!