If you’re among the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a good approach to keep heating and cooling bills managed. Although manyhouses use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of because it’s on “hold” permanently.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it adjusts to your temperature preferences and activities, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself quicker than 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 getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might have troubles, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a pro like Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.

Nest Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest types of home comfort systems, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a specialist like Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning to handle the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely run into info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require not much power. Many times, this means they can operate correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Installing a new thermostat makes it easier to manage your utility and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Allstar Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find the ideal model for your home and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 805-242-9638 to start today!