Do I really need a professional installer?

[endpoint]

I told the app the wires available. It said that the wiring is compatable with the Nest Learning Thermostat but that I needed a professional to install it. This will be rather expensive, and I'm not happy about it. Why can't I myself just connect the wires as indicated?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Patrick_Caezza]

Post a picture of the original thermostat's wiring here.

There are some setups that require the entry of a Nest Pro ID number and only professionals have those.

But, sometimes the compatibility checker is wrong and you just need someone knowledgeable in the quirks of the Nest thermostats to provide some help. which is what I do here.

[endpoint]

Wow, thanks so much for your quick reply and for being willing to help me with this!

Attached is the photo you requested. FYI, I have a Coleman heat pump with propane backup. And as you probably appreciate, the letters corresponding to the heat pump installation are the outermost set on either side.

Please let me know if the photo isn't clear, of if you need any further information.

And again, many thanks for being willing to take a look at my installation!

[Patrick_Caezza]

Try this wiring

Brown - Y2 to Y2

Black - E to * (Set as Emergency heat)

White - AUX to W2/AUX (set as AUX heat)

Blue - C to C

Green - G to G

Yellow - Y to Y1

Orange - O/B to OB

Red - R to Rc (jumper to RC not needed)

You might get the message that a Nest Pro is needed to finish your setup. This is where the Nest PRO ID that I mentioned earlier comes into play and there is nothing I can do to help you.

[endpoint]

The thermostat said that because I have a dual fuel furnace (heat pump with propane backup) I need a professional installer to set it up. Thanks so much for your help, but I guess I have to bite the bullet and pay for installation.

[MelbaDT]

Hey folks, 

Thanks for responding to this thread, Patrick_Caezza. 

endpoint, we highly recommend that you contact a local pro as you will need to have a trained professional set up your Nest Learning Thermostat. It’s important for a professional to assess the requirements for your specific dual fuel configuration since choosing incorrect options for a dual fuel system can result in damage to your system.

Best, 

Melba

[MelbaDT]

Hey endpoint, 

Checking back in ― how's your thermostat now? Have you set it up with the help of a local pro already?

Best, 

Melba

[endpoint · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the follow-up request, Melba!

I couldn't find any local reputable HVAC companies that would install my thermostat. And to be honest, I just didn't feel comfortable making an appt with an unknown "local pro" via the Nest website where I'd have to give my credit card info and commit to a visit from them without knowing anything about who they were, what were their qualifications, and having no access to any reviews of their work. So I downloaded the "Nest Learning Thermostat Pro Installation & Configuration Guide," which is readily available online and figured it out for myself, saving ~$150. It's working fine. 

I am not suggesting that anyone else follow this route, because I appreciate that there is risk to the system if the wiring is not installed correctly. But for me it worked great.

[MelbaDT]

Hey there, 

You're welcome and thanks as well for getting back to us and for sharing what you did to resolve your concern — glad to hear that you've got it working! 

Cheers, 

Melba

[MelbaDT]

Hi, 

We haven't heard from you in a while so we'll be locking this thread if there is no update within the day. If you have any new issues, updates or just a discussion topic, feel free to start a new thread in the Community.

Best, 

Melba

[endpoint]

Thanks so much for your suggestion! I'll try it in the morning and let you know how it turns out.

warm wishes!