When the Nest Thermostat was introduced in 2011, it revolutionized the way people viewed thermostats. Unlike the outdated white rectangular boxes hanging on the walls, Nest Thermostat offered a sleek and intuitive design that caught the attention of consumers. As an early adopter, I became a fan and have been using Nest Thermostats ever since. Now, I’m here to help you choose the best Nest thermostat for your home or office.
The New Look of Thermostats
Have you ever wondered why thermostats look so uninspiring compared to our modern gadgets like smartphones? Well, the folks at Nest understood this discrepancy and introduced a thermostat that not only looks cool but also provides ease of use. Plus, it helps you save money on your energy bills.
The big question is whether traditional HVAC companies will embrace this new technology. Will they see it as an opportunity to upsell or dismiss it as a passing fad? Based on my interviews with professionals and market research, I recommend embracing this innovation. Since most thermostats are sold with HVAC units, understanding and explaining the benefits of a smart thermostat like Nest can be valuable for businesses and their customers.
How Does the Nest Thermostat Work?
One of the standout features of the Nest thermostat is its energy-saving capabilities, with claims of average annual savings up to $173. This is significant because, according to research, most programmable thermostats are too complicated for users to program effectively. In fact, they often remain underutilized, functioning as mere “set and forget” devices. Nest aims to change that by making thermostat programming simple and user-friendly.
The Nest thermostat can practically program itself, saving you up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills. But the true beauty lies in its seamless functionality. It knows when you’re sleeping, thanks to its light and motion tracking sensors, as well as the three temperature sensors and WiFi connection that provide real-time weather data. With this information, Nest can determine when you’re away and adjust the temperature accordingly, optimizing energy usage.
The Simplicity of the Nest Thermostat
Unlike complicated gadgets, the Nest thermostat is incredibly easy to use. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to enjoy its benefits. For instance, I have a home theater room that is often unused while my husband is at work and the kids are at school. Nest automatically adjusts the temperature when the room is occupied, ensuring the air conditioner doesn’t run unnecessarily.
To set your preferences, you can use the Nest thermostat’s LCD screen or the Nest iOS and Android apps. You can control the temperature remotely, even from outside your home. Forgot to adjust the temperature before leaving the office? No problem, just open the app and make the necessary changes. Moreover, you can access additional features like scheduling and energy reports via the app or browser.
Nest Learning Thermostats: Generations 1-3
The first three generations of Nest thermostats have minor visual differences, with each model boasting improvements in technology and design. While the first-generation Nest has a simpler appearance and fewer connection points on the bottom plate, the second and third generations have enhanced features and refined designs.
Google Nest Thermostat E
For those looking for a more affordable option without compromising on functionality, the slightly smaller Google Nest Thermostat E is an excellent choice. It offers most of the features found in the third-generation Nest thermostat, with the only notable difference being its white color.
The Google Nest Thermostat E is compatible with a wide range of heating and cooling systems and retains the intuitive programming capabilities that make Nest thermostats so popular. It might not have all the bells and whistles of its more expensive counterparts, but it still provides a smart and energy-efficient solution for your home.
Google Nest Thermostat: A Complete Makeover
In 2020, Google gave the Nest Thermostat a complete redesign, introducing a touch-capacitive interface and eliminating the rotating outer ring. This new model offers a sleeker look while maintaining the functionality and intelligence of previous Nest thermostats.
The Google G4CVZ Nest Thermostat, though slightly less intuitive to use than its predecessor, comes at a more affordable price point. It’s a great option for automating temperature control in specific rooms, making it an ideal choice for areas that remain unoccupied for extended periods.
Are You Missing a Profit Opportunity?
Interestingly, some HVAC professionals and business owners express concerns about customers tampering with their thermostats. However, there’s a growing demand for smart thermostats like Nest, and this presents an opportunity for businesses to stand out. By offering customers the option to upgrade to a smart thermostat, you can cater to their preferences and demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Nest Thermostat Features and Specs Compared
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comparison of the features and specifications of different Nest thermostat models:
| Google Nest | Nest ‘E’ | Third Generation | 1st/2nd Generation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 2.4 inches 240×320 | 1.76 inches 320×320 | 2.08 inches 480×480 | 1.75 inches 320×320 |
| Color | Fog, Sand, Charcoal, Snow | White | Stainless steel, Copper, Polished Steel, Mirror Black, White, Black, Brass | Stainless steel |
| Compatibility | Works with most 24V heating and cooling systems | Suitable for 85% of 24V heating and cooling systems | Works with 95% of 24V heating and cooling systems | Works with 95% of 24V heating and cooling systems |
| Sensor | Temperature, Humidity, Proximity, Soli Sensor, Ambient Light | Temperature, Humidity, Photomagnetism | Temperature, Humidity, Photomagnetism | Temperature, Humidity, Proximity, Motion, Ambient Light Optics |
| Memory | 256MB | 256MB | 512MB | 512MB |
| Diameter | 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) | 3.19 inches (8.1 cm) | 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) | 3.27 inches (8.3 cm) |
| Battery | 2x AAA 1.5V alkaline batteries | Built-in lithium-ion | Built-in lithium-ion | Built-in lithium-ion |
| Voltage | 20-30V AC | 20-30V AC | 20-30V AC | 20-30V AC |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Other Considerations
Before making a purchase, there are a few things worth considering. The third-generation Nest thermostat can be quite expensive at $249, so you may want to offer it as an upgrade rather than including it in your initial proposal. Alternatively, you can explore options like the Nest Thermostat E or the newer Google Nest to fit different budgets.
Additionally, Nest thermostats have a limitation of only allowing one wire per junction point. While this usually isn’t an issue, it can complicate installations in certain situations. Be aware of this to ensure a smooth installation process.
Potential Problems
It’s important to be prepared for any potential issues that may arise with Nest thermostats. Firstly, due to their higher cost, warranty support should be considered. Keep spare parts on hand or be ready to temporarily replace the standard thermostat if a Nest device requires out-of-warranty servicing. The second-generation Nest thermostat does not currently support using an auxiliary heat source for emergencies in colder regions.
Finally, older systems that cannot return to the Common (“C”) line may face challenges in keeping the Nest thermostat’s internal battery charged. Though solutions can be found online, additional measures may be necessary for proper functionality.
Share Your Experience
Do you have a Nest thermostat at home or work? We would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and let us know how Nest thermostats have improved your comfort and energy efficiency.