Nest Thermostat Problems: Nest Thermostats Can Damage Your Furnace
Smart thermostats are all the rage these days. The convenience of internet control and scheduling is a great way to get a grip on home energy bills. Also, increased comfort and peace of mind make these devices very popular. While these devices are convenient, they are known to cause damage to heating systems both old and new. The reality is that unless properly installed, Nest Thermostat problems can cause damage to furnaces, or destroy them entirely.
Nest Thermostat Problems Begin with Installation
Google touts easy installation of its Nest thermostat systems. So easy, in fact, that anyone can do it. Homeowners with basic DIY skills can quickly install the unit and have it connected to the internet within an hour. While this is true, the reality is a bit more complex. The problems start to arise with the absence of the C-wire. The C-wire, or “Common Wire” provides constant power to your thermostat. Not all home heating systems utilize the C-wire. If your home does not have a C-wire, Nest offers a convenient and easy work around. This is where the problems start.
When a Nest Thermostat is installed without a C-Wire, it uses software to adjust for the lack of power coming directly from the HVAC system. This is accomplished by dropping the voltage between the R and other pins to maintain the same wattage. This leads to a variety of problems from short-cycling, damaged transformers, and even completely burned out circuit boards. These problems occur in both new and old furnace models.
How to Protect Against Nest Thermostat Problems
Some smart thermostat brands such as Google’s Nest are designed by Tech experts, and not HVAC specialists. These “experts” have no real world knowledge of how heating and cooling systems work. That being said, it is still possible to have a Nest Thermostat without the problems. To avoid damaging your heating and cooling system, always install a C-Wire. If you don’t currently have one, call a professional to install your thermostat. Do not rely on Silicon Valley to protect your system through software. Their goal is to sell more products. To do this they make it as easy as possible to adopt their systems.
There are Better Options than Nest Thermostats
Many smart thermostats from reputable heating and cooling equipment manufacturers require a c-wire and do not offer a work around. This is because damages caused by improper installation of thermostats are not covered by warranties. Consider installing the The Aprilaire® 8290W Wi-Fi Thermostat. It works with smart speakers and performs elegantly with all of your home HVAC equipment including humidifiers and de-humidifiers.
While it is tempting to install an easy and popular model of thermostat, it is not worth the hassle of and expense of damaged equipment. If you are interested in learning more about smart thermostat options that are superior to the Nest Thermostat, contact the experts at Polar today!
