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

March 10, 2021

If you’re one of the usual American households who spends more than $2,000 every year on energy expenses, adding a smart thermostat is a good method to keep energy costs managed. Although many homes rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being maximized as it’s on “hold” permanently.

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 routine, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and lower it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the product pay for itself faster than two years. And the majority of utility companies provide 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’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may run into troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Works with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest range of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a pro like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc to complete the complicated wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely 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 likely still ok to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to consume not much power. Many times, this means they can work correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can put in a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to stay on top of your energy and cooling costs while keeping your home cozy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, Edington Heating & Cooling Inc can help you find the best model for your budget and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 937-558-9478 to start today!