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

March 10, 2021

If you’re among the average American households who spends more than $2,000 every year on utility bills, getting a smart thermostat is a good approach to keep energy costs managed. Although most residences have programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” every day.

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 monitor and change it from just about 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 every year, which helps the product pay for itself quicker than two years. And the majority of utility providers have 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 ensure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you may run into issues, like odd furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a specialist like Jett's Heating & Air Inc. help you choose a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Works with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest designed its thermostat to work with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.

This involves heating and cooling systems that use:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s compatible, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the largest types of home comfort systems, such as 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 Jett's Heating & Air Inc. to handle the detailed wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve probably found details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t get adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s usually still okay to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to use small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can run properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like Jett's Heating & Air Inc. can add a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to keep track of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your residences comfy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Jett's Heating & Air Inc. can help you choose the best model for your budget and then skillfully install it. Reach us at 815-410-1128 to get started right away!