Google nest thermostat review

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Google nest thermostat review

Dan has covered the technology world for over a decade at The Verge. If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Ten years ago, Nest introduced its first smart thermostat, the Nest Learning Thermostat, and showed the world what a smart thermostat is capable of. The most obvious thing Google did was change the design and functionality of the thermostat itself. Instead, you use a touch strip on the right side to adjust temperature and navigate the interface. Also different are the materials: the Nest Thermostat is made entirely of plastic that you can get in four different colors, as opposed to the metal finishes of the older models. Aesthetics are certainly a personal preference, but I like the look of the brushed metal of the older Nest models much better. The front of the Nest Thermostat has a mirrored finish, with a display that shines through it when you are in front of the thermostat or interacting with it. This is not a touchscreen — all interaction on the thermostat is done through the touch strip — and most of the time, it just sits there on the wall not displaying anything. When the screen is on, it looks like information is just floating on the mirrored front, a neat effect. Tap the side, and you can scroll through the menus to adjust modes, set a hold temperature, and view other settings, though most of the adjustments to scheduling and such are handled through the Google Home app on your smartphone. But if you look at it from the right angle, mostly from the left side, you can see where the square display is centered under the mirrored panel, breaking the illusion a bit. The Nest was still able to detect my presence and light up even when I was 10 or more feet away from it. Installing the Nest Thermostat is very similar to prior models, and Google does a good job of walking you through the process with video tutorials in the app.

You can put up to six Nest sensors in your home and each one is powered by a single CR battery that's supposed to last for two years. Like the first, it's worked extremely well, google nest thermostat review, and unfortunately replicated all of the same minor annoyances. This is when you would install any additional sensors you'd like to use with the Nest.

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement. A better display and a temperature sensor accessory make Nest's Learning Thermostat more appealing. Editors' note Sept. Specifically, it has a new sensor that's better at picking up your presence from a distance to display the time, indoor temperature or current weather forecast. It supports voice integrations with Google Assistant and Alexa , too.

Smart thermostats are the gateway to smart-home life. The problem with many smart-home devices is that the learning curve is difficult, so you never really get the most out of them. Nest smart thermostats make it easy. For as long as we've been reviewing smart thermostats , a Nest device has always ranked among our favorites. Both current Nest models install just like any other thermostat and even come with the screwdriver , but unlike other models, which tend to have confusing menus and complicated programming, a Nest thermostat programs itself. The flagship Nest Learning Thermostat learns your temperature preferences based on your usage, and then it creates a schedule for you. To adjust that, you can turn the outer dial as on an old-fashioned thermostat , tap the smartphone app, or ask your smart speaker to turn up the heat. It even sends you a monthly report of your energy use. Two versions of the Nest are currently available: the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd generation and the Nest Thermostat. Both also monitor your HVAC system for problems.

Google nest thermostat review

But look closer and the softer, subtle design cues emerge. There are no buttons or moving dial. Capacitive touch controls on the right edge of the thermostat allow for quick and intuitive navigation of the slimmed-down, yet robust settings. You lose a level of precision not having a mechanical dial, so be prepared to pay just a bit more attention when bumping the temperature up a degree or two. We suppose that the decision was made to keep costs down as much as possible. Naturally, it draws comparison to the Google Nest Thermostat E because of the similarities of their designs. While the two may seem fundamentally similar with their circular shapes, the Nest Thermostat stands out for its mirrored display — giving it a slightly more, polished appearance.

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Related links Nest who? It also features a side touch interface that streamlines the hardware into slide-and-tap controls so you no longer have to turn the entire thermostat ring to browse through the settings -- or press down on the entire device to make your selection. You add the thermostat by selecting the plus sign on the top-left corner of the app's home screen and then selecting "Set up device," to walk through the steps to get your Nest Thermostat up and running. With that done, the installation truly begins. While the Ecobee4, the Honeywell Lyric and the Honeywell Lyric T5 all have related apps and innovative smarts of their own Ecobee relies on a remote temperature sensor and built-in motion sensors to track your home or away status; the Honeywell Lyric and Lyric T5 use your phone's GPS location , Nest has the most comprehensive smart device support of its major competitors. It also can save you money on your heating and cooling bills, thanks to its Eco modes. Thankfully, the longer my Nest has been in operation, the more its learned to understand when this is and is not ok, resulting in its temperature settings being something I rarely have to think about anymore. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. Mike Prospero. However, to my surprise, after inputting the various wires and colors found behind the aged thermostat's faceplate, I was told my home's system was compatible with the Nest Learning Thermostat, as well as the newer, lower cost Nest Thermostat. Meet your guide. Where previous Nest thermostats relied on near-field sensors alone which have a roughly 3-foot range to pick up on motion activity, this version tacks on a far-field sensor for a new function it calls Farsight. As someone that lives in a home that never quite has a stud in the wall where I need to hang something, I was pleased to see Google included self-tapping screws that were designed to anchor it to both wood and drywall. You can also create custom schedules for the morning, midday, evening and night from the "Manage sensors" section in the app settings menu.

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more. If you ask me, a refresh to the lineup was long overdue.

It's a definite design improvement over the frosted plastic design of the still-nice-looking Nest Thermostat E. But, in the meantime, the dual nature of managing your Nest-branded devices is an ongoing drawback. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. It weighs just under 5 ounces and has a 3. Advertiser Content From. The idea of connecting a Wi-Fi enabled, AI-using, smart assistant-communicating thermostat into my home and expecting it to work perfectly with a heating and cooling system that was installed over 20 years ago caused a kind of cognitive dissonance that made it hard to believe this could possibly go well. Google borrowed the basics from its previous thermostats for this new, more affordable model , but added in some notable improvements. Home Smart Home. The app will also let you know which sensors tend to be coolest or warmest, once it analyzes your home's trends. No comments yet Comment from the forums.