The Nest Learning Thermostat
16 June 2012 12:55 PM
I just installed the Nest Learning Thermostat in my downstairs. I have a unit for the upstairs, too.
This thermostat replaces my 12-year-old semi-programmable thermostat with all sorts of new and innovative features. It remembers my schedule as I set the thermostat, and programs itself. It automatically adjusts when I am away. It detects the humidity and turns off the AC, running only the fan, when conditions merit. It is controllable from my iPhone, iPad, and computer. The Nest.com website has more.
It was a snap to install. First, I watched the video from Lowes.com. Then I snapped off the cover to my old thermostat and checked the wiring to see if it matched what Nest said I could have. It did (there were four wires), and it was even color coded correctly.
Then I went to Lowes, where they had a display on an end-cap, made my purchase, and sped home. I turned off the power to the AC units. The fans ran for a while after that, so I waited until they stopped. I removed the Nest from its box (nicely packed) and read the instructions., a rehash of the installation video I had already seen. Then I removed the old thermostat, stripped and straightened the wires a bit, and installed the Nest back with the optional mounting kit that covered the screw holes in the wall. I snapped the Nest unit onto the back, powered on the AC, and it was done!
The Nest had a guided setup that was very easy to follow. It detected my WiFi network, allowed me to enter the password (by turning the dial, selecting letters/numbers, and pushing), asked for my zip code (so it could receive local weather reports), and allowed me to name the unit. I chose “Downstairs” since the other one will need to be named “Upstairs.” It asked if I was setting up the heater or the AC. Then it asked what the extremes of temperatures I would like it to set while I am away. I said 50 degrees for heat, and 84 degrees for AC. I may set it higher, or turn the AC off. It then set the temperature to 75 degrees, and started cooling. I turned the dial up to 78 degrees, and a green leaf appeared on the dial, indicating that I was saving energy.
All in all, the installation and setup took less than 30 minutes.
I then downloaded the Nest app on my iPhone (it automatically appeared on my iPad) and signed up for an account on the Nest website. I then had to activate that account on the Nest unit. When I went to see it, it was already asking if I wanted to associate my account with it. I clicked, indicating yes.
The Nest promises to save energy costs over the lifetime of use. With that in mind, I think the investment will pay for itself in 3-5 years.
This thermostat replaces my 12-year-old semi-programmable thermostat with all sorts of new and innovative features. It remembers my schedule as I set the thermostat, and programs itself. It automatically adjusts when I am away. It detects the humidity and turns off the AC, running only the fan, when conditions merit. It is controllable from my iPhone, iPad, and computer. The Nest.com website has more.
It was a snap to install. First, I watched the video from Lowes.com. Then I snapped off the cover to my old thermostat and checked the wiring to see if it matched what Nest said I could have. It did (there were four wires), and it was even color coded correctly.
Then I went to Lowes, where they had a display on an end-cap, made my purchase, and sped home. I turned off the power to the AC units. The fans ran for a while after that, so I waited until they stopped. I removed the Nest from its box (nicely packed) and read the instructions., a rehash of the installation video I had already seen. Then I removed the old thermostat, stripped and straightened the wires a bit, and installed the Nest back with the optional mounting kit that covered the screw holes in the wall. I snapped the Nest unit onto the back, powered on the AC, and it was done!
The Nest had a guided setup that was very easy to follow. It detected my WiFi network, allowed me to enter the password (by turning the dial, selecting letters/numbers, and pushing), asked for my zip code (so it could receive local weather reports), and allowed me to name the unit. I chose “Downstairs” since the other one will need to be named “Upstairs.” It asked if I was setting up the heater or the AC. Then it asked what the extremes of temperatures I would like it to set while I am away. I said 50 degrees for heat, and 84 degrees for AC. I may set it higher, or turn the AC off. It then set the temperature to 75 degrees, and started cooling. I turned the dial up to 78 degrees, and a green leaf appeared on the dial, indicating that I was saving energy.
All in all, the installation and setup took less than 30 minutes.
I then downloaded the Nest app on my iPhone (it automatically appeared on my iPad) and signed up for an account on the Nest website. I then had to activate that account on the Nest unit. When I went to see it, it was already asking if I wanted to associate my account with it. I clicked, indicating yes.
The Nest promises to save energy costs over the lifetime of use. With that in mind, I think the investment will pay for itself in 3-5 years.