How to Figure Out if Your HVAC System Can Run with a Nest Smart Thermostat

Feb 22, 2024

Author

Jake Nielson

Manager

If you’re among the typical American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on energy expenses, adding a smart thermostat is an excellent approach to keep utility expenses low. Although mostresidences rely on 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 top sellers. That’s since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and change it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

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

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could run into issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a pro like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning help you select a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to figure out 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 operate with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.

This covers heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas

  • Oil

  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it will work, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest number of home comfort systems, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a pro like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning to do the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve likely run into information 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 all right to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to consume not much power. Most of the time, this means they can run normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing odd heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to stay on top of your utility and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose the right model for your budget and then expertly install it. Call us at 636-456-5041 to start now!