If you’re among the typical American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on energy costs, adding a smart thermostat is a great way to keep energy costs low. Although the majority ofresidences use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” all the time.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s due to the fact it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average 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 product pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility providers 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 make sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could experience issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like Fire & Ice HVAC help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Works with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest made 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 use the Compatibility Checker to provide a simple transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will guide you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest types of home comfort equipment, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a pro like Fire & Ice HVAC to complete the in-depth wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve potentially found details 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 usually still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can work normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Fire & Ice HVAC can install a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Installing a new thermostat makes it simple to manage your heating and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Fire & Ice HVAC can help you choose the best model for your needs and then professionally install it. Call us at 703-595-4157 to begin today!