If you’re one of the usual American households who spends more than $2,000 every year on heating and cooling expenses, adding a smart thermostat is an excellent method to keep energy costs managed. Although manyhouses rely on programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” all the time.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s because it learns your temperature preferences and routine, and then makes an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and change it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating expenses and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved every year, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in less two years. And many utility companies offer rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re getting a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you may run into issues, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. help you choose 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 work with many different 24-volt systems, including older ones.

This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

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

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the biggest range of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also runs with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. to handle the complicated wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve potentially run into info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire energizes your smart thermostat when it can’t pull adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s likely still ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were designed to require small amounts of power. Many times, this means they can work properly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and noticing erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Getting a new thermostat makes it easier to stay on top of your heating and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. can help you select the best model for your home and then expertly install it. Give us a call at 570-648-0748 to begin right away!