How to Determine if Your HVAC System is Compatible with a Nest Smart Thermostat

March 10, 2021

If you’re amid the average American households who spends more than $2,000 each year on utility costs, installing a smart thermostat is a great way to keep energy bills managed. Although many residences use programmable thermostats, yours probably isn’t being maximized as it’s on “hold” every day.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the top sellers. That’s since it adjusts to your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and change it from almost 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 it pay for itself quicker than two years. And many utility companies have rebate programs that help you purchase a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it works with your HVAC system. This is especially essential if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you could have troubles, like weird furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s essential to have a pro like MPC Heating & Cooling help you select a new thermostat and take care of your smart thermostat installation.

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

Nest Works with Most Heating and Cooling Systems

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

This includes heating and cooling systems that run on:

  • Natural gas
  • Oil
  • Electricity

Before you buy a Nest, you can use the Compatibility Checker to ensure a smooth transition. Once you’ve confirmed it’s a match, your Nest will work you through compatibility and wiring during the setup process.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with the biggest number of home comfort systems, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. It also operates with extremely energy-efficient multistage systems, dual-fuel equipment, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, but you’ll typically need a pro like MPC Heating & Cooling to handle the in-depth wiring and setup procedures.

Does the Nest Have to Have a C-Wire?

If you’ve looked into the Nest, you’ve potentially found info about the C-wire, or common wire. This wire powers your smart thermostat when it can’t pull enough power from the other wires.

If you don’t have a C-wire, it’s probably still all right to use a Nest. The company says its thermostats were created 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 noticing strange heating and cooling behavior? An HVAC pro like MPC Heating & Cooling can add a C-wire for you.

Our Professionals Make Smart Thermostat Installation Quick

Getting a new thermostat makes it a snap to manage your heating and cooling costs while keeping your home comfy. If you’re considering adding a Nest smart thermostat to your residence, MPC Heating & Cooling can help you find the best model for your budget and then professionally install it. Call us at 308-832-4321 to start today!