How to Learn if Your HVAC System Works with a Nest Smart Thermostat

March 10, 2021

If you’re amid the typical American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on utility expenses, installing a smart thermostat is a good way to keep heating and cooling bills low. Although many houses use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage since it’s on “hold” all the time.

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

For the average home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling expenses. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And the majority of utility businesses 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 make sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you might experience issues, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like JTech Mechanical help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to determine if the Nest can run with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with Most 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 involves heating and cooling systems that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy 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 compatible, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the largest 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 typically need a pro like JTech Mechanical to complete the in-depth wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

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

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require not much power. Many times, this means they can work properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like JTech Mechanical can install a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Installing a new thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, JTech Mechanical can help you select the right model for your budget and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 281-231-8768 to get started right away!