If you’re amid the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on utility bills, adding a smart thermostat is a fantastic way to keep utility bills under control. Although mosthouses use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” all the time.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and activities, and then develops an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and raise it from nearly anywhere with your smartphone.

On average, Nest says its thermostat saves about 10-12% on heating costs and about 15% on cooling costs. That’s about $131 to $145 saved annually, which helps the product pay for itself quicker than two years. And many utility providers offer rebate programs that help you install a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re upgrading to a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to be sure it will work with your HVAC system. This is especially important if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you might have problems, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a specialist like Brandywine Heating & Air help you select a new thermostat and do your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you purchase a Nest, you can run the Compatibility Checker to ensure a simple transition. Once you’ve double-checked it will work, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat can run with the largest types of home comfort units, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also works with highly energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like Brandywine Heating & Air to do the complicated wiring and setup process.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve read up on the Nest, you’ve likely run into information about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers 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 okay to install a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require little power. In most cases, this means they can work correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into erratic heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like Brandywine Heating & Air can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Upgrading your thermostat makes it simple to keep track of your heating and cooling costs while keeping your {house|residences|home comfortable. If you’re thinking about adding a Nest smart thermostat to your home, Brandywine Heating & Air can help you find the right model for your budget and then expertly install it. Call us at 302-261-3596 to start right away!