If you’re among the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on utility costs, installing a smart thermostat is a good way to keep energy costs low. Although mostresidences use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of because it’s on “hold” all the time.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s due to the fact it picks up on your temperature preferences and routine, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from nearly 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 annually, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And many utility businesses have 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 works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may have problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like Paniccia Heating & Cooling 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 Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

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

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest range of home comfort equipment, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a specialist like Paniccia Heating & Cooling to do the in-depth wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve probably found info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers 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 okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume 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 pro like Paniccia Heating & Cooling can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to keep track of your energy and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Paniccia Heating & Cooling can help you find the right model for your home and then skillfully install it. Call us at 219-872-2198 to start today!