If you’re among the typical American households who pay more than $2,000 every year on utility expenses, installing a smart thermostat is a great method to keep heating and cooling expenses low. Although the majority ofhomes rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being made the most of since it’s on “hold” permanently.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s since it learns your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and lower it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the product pay for itself in less two years. And most utility businesses have rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might run into troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like Vogts Heating & Air help you pick a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to provide a simple transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest types of home comfort equipment, including 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 specialist like Vogts Heating & Air to do the detailed wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

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

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

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Vogts Heating & Air 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 energy and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Vogts Heating & Air can help you find the ideal model for your budget and then expertly install it. Reach us at 208-621-0129 to get started today!