If you’re one of the typical American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on utility costs, getting a smart thermostat is a great approach to keep utility costs under control. Although mosthouses use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being made the most of as it’s on “hold” permanently.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s since it picks up on your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from just about 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 less two years. And many utility businesses offer 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 be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you could have issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Strine's help you choose a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to provide a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the widest number of home comfort units, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a professional like Strine's to complete the in-depth wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely found information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still all right to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can run correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Strine's can add a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to manage your energy and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Strine's can help you find the best model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 717-383-4479 to get started today!