How Do I Know if My HVAC System Works with Nest? | AC Sales

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

March 10, 2021

If you’re amid the average American households who spends more than $2,000 annually on energy costs, installing a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep heating and cooling costs under control. Although many houses have programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being used to the full advantage as 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 adjusts to your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and lower it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

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

When you’re upgrading to 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 may run into problems, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a specialist like AC Sales help you choose a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to figure out 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 created its thermostat to run with many different 24-volt systems, including old ones.

This involves heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have an easy transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the biggest range of home comfort equipment, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a pro like AC Sales to complete the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve probably come across information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire runs your smart thermostat when it can’t get 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 made to use not much power. Most of the time, this means they can work correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like AC Sales can install a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Easy

Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your house cozy. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, AC Sales can help you find the ideal model for your home and then professionally install it. Reach us at (337) 234-2345 to get started right away!