If you’re one of the typical American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling costs, getting a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep heating and cooling expenses managed. Although manyhomes use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” all the time.

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

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in under two years. And many utility providers offer 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 be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you could run into issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Forster Heating help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest will work 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 older ones.

This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

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

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the largest range of home comfort systems, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like Forster Heating to complete the detailed wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve likely found info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs 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 okay to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to use not much power. Many times, this means they can run normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Forster Heating can add a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Getting a new thermostat makes it simple to manage your utility and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Forster Heating can help you choose the right model for your budget and then professionally install it. Reach us at 530-885-8081 to start now!