If you’re among the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 every year on heating and cooling bills, getting a smart thermostat is a great approach to keep heating and cooling expenses managed. Although mosthouses use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” every day.

When getting a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s due to the fact it learns your temperature preferences and activities, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and lower it from just about anywhere with your smartphone.

For the typical home, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating bills and about 15% on cooling bills. That’s about $131 to $145 saved each year, which helps it pay for itself in under two years. And most utility companies 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 will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is getting old. If it’s not, you could have troubles, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a professional like Woody's Sudden Service help you pick a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to figure out if the Nest is compatible with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with Many 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 run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you get a Nest, you can put your details into the Compatibility Checker to provide an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring when you start using it.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the widest range of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll often need a pro like Woody's Sudden Service to complete the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Require a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers 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 get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created to require little power. Most of the time, this means they can run normally without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Woody's Sudden Service can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Upgrading your thermostat makes it a snap to stay on top of your heating and cooling expenses while keeping your {house|residences|home comfy. If you want to add a Nest smart thermostat to your house, Woody's Sudden Service can help you find the ideal model for your budget and then expertly install it. Reach us at 703-278-2036 to start today!