If you’re amid the average American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on energy bills, adding a smart thermostat is a good way to keep utility expenses under control. Although mostresidences use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” all the time.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because 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 nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in less two years. And many utility companies provide rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you might run into problems, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase 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 walk you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest types of home comfort systems, 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 typically need a specialist like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning to handle the complicated wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

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

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still okay to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to use not much power. In most cases, this means they can work normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can install a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Getting a new thermostat makes it simple to keep track of your utility and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Gopher Heating and Air Conditioning can help you choose the ideal model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Call us at 952-373-0377 to get started right away!