If you’re one of the typical American households who shell out more than $2,000 each year on heating and cooling expenses, getting a smart thermostat is a good way to keep utility costs low. Although mostresidences use programmable thermostats, chances are yours isn’t being used to the full advantage because it’s on “hold” permanently.

When upgrading your thermostat, the Nest smart thermostat is one of the most popular options. That’s because it picks up on your temperature preferences and schedule, and then creates an energy-efficient schedule to match. You can also keep an eye on it and lower it from almost anywhere with your smartphone.

For the average 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 each year, which helps it pay for itself in less two years. And most utility businesses provide rebate programs that help you get a smart thermostat for free or close to it.

When you’re installing a smart home thermostat, you’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. This is especially true if your equipment is aging. If it’s not, you may have troubles, like erratic furnace or air conditioner behavior. That’s why it’s critical to have a expert like Desert Husky HVAC/R Services help you pick 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 Many Heating and Cooling Systems

The good news is that Nest made its thermostat to run 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 run the Compatibility Checker to make sure you have a simple transition. Once you’ve double-checked it’s a fit, your Nest will lead you through compatibility and wiring during the setup pr