Find Out if the Nest Smart Thermostat is Compatible with Your HVAC System

March 10, 2021

If you’re amid the average American households who pay more than $2,000 each year on energy expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a good approach to keep utility expenses low. Although many residences use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of as it’s on “hold” all the time.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s since it picks up on your temperature preferences and routine, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

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

When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could experience problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a pro like Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. help you pick a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This covers heating and cooling systems that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a simple transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest types of home comfort systems, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a pro like Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to do the complicated wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t draw enough power from the other wires.

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

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Getting a new thermostat makes it simple to stay on top of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you choose the right model for your needs and then skillfully install it. Call us at 303-452-4146 to start right away!