If you’re one of the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep energy costs managed. Although mosthouses rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” every day.

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 activities, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

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

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may experience troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a specialist like Pratt Brothers help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest types of home comfort equipment, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a professional like Pratt Brothers to do the complicated wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Need 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 powers your smart thermostat when it can’t pull enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume little power. In most cases, this means they can work correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Pratt Brothers can add a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Installing a new thermostat makes it easier to manage your utility and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Pratt Brothers can help you select the right model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Call us at 920-347-8495 to get started now!