Want to Install the Nest Smart Thermostat? Find Out if Its Compatible with Your HVAC System First

March 10, 2021

If you’re among the usual American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on energy bills, installing a smart thermostat is an excellent approach to keep energy bills low. Although most houses rely on programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being maximized as it’s on “hold” permanently.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, 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 ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may experience troubles, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Faust Air Conditioning and Heating help you choose a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves 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 make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve checked it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

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

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve potentially found info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t draw enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still all right to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume small amounts of power. In most cases, this means they can operate normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and experiencing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Faust Air Conditioning and Heating can install a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your residences cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Faust Air Conditioning and Heating can help you choose the right model for your needs and then professionally install it. Reach us at 979-323-6130 to get started right away!