If you’re one of the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 every year on utility expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic approach to keep heating and cooling bills low. Although manyhouses rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” every day.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because 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 just about anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And most utility businesses 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 ensure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could experience problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a professional like Heartland Heating & Cooling help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Runs with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to provide a simple transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the widest range of home comfort systems, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a pro like Heartland Heating & Cooling to handle the complicated wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t draw ample power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to require small amounts of 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 Heartland Heating & Cooling can install a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to keep track 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, Heartland Heating & Cooling can help you choose the best model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Give us a call at 515-344-3579 to start today!