If you’re amid the average American households who shell out more than $2,000 annually on heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is an excellent way to keep energy costs low. Although manyhomes have programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage as it’s on “hold” all the time.

When installing a new thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the best sellers. That’s because it adjusts to your temperature preferences and routine, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also check and change it from just about 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 annually, which helps the thermostat pay for itself in under two years. And the majority of utility companies provide 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 be sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is older. If it’s not, you could experience troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s important to have a pro like May's Heating & Air help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest is Compatible with Many Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This covers heating and cooling systems powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

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

The Nest Learning Thermostat works with the largest types of home comfort systems, like heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with very energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll likely need a professional like May's Heating & Air to handle the detailed wiring and setup steps.

Does the Nest Need a C-Wire?

If you’ve done research on the Nest, you’ve probably come across details about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t draw adequate power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still ok to get a Nest. The company says its thermostats were made to require little power. Most of the time, this means they can operate correctly without this wire.

Have a smart thermostat without a C-wire and running into weird heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC specialist like May's Heating & Air can add a C-wire for you.

Our Pros Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to keep track of your energy and cooling bills while keeping your {house|residences|home cozy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your house, May's Heating & Air can help you select the best model for your needs and then professionally install it. Give us a call at 301-690-0397 to start right away!