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

March 10, 2021

If you’re among the usual American households who pay more than $2,000 annually on utility bills, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep utility bills managed. Although the majority of residences use programmable thermostats, yours likely isn’t being made the most of because it’s on “hold” every day.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s since it learns your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also monitor and raise it from nearly 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 annually, which helps the product 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 be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you may experience problems, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional like The Frazier Company help you pick a new thermostat and handle your smart thermostat installation.

Here’s how to figure out if the Nest will work with your HVAC system.

Nest Runs with the Majority of Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This involves heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to provide an easy transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will walk you through compatibility and wiring when you set it up.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest types of home comfort units, such as heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like The Frazier Company to handle the detailed wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have 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 enough power from the other wires.

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

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC professional like The Frazier Company can install a C-wire for you.

Our Experts Make Smart Thermostat Installation Simple

Installing a new thermostat makes it easier to manage your energy and cooling costs while keeping your residences cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, The Frazier Company can help you select the right model for your home and then professionally install it. Reach us at 402-628-0206 to start today!