How does the Nest Learning Thermostat work?

Home Improvement

Can a small, simple device really change the way you live and teach you to conserve energy?
Image courtesy of Nest Labs

Have you ever wondered why your house feels too cold or too hot? The answer lies in your thermostat, which controls your home’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Studies show that HVAC systems account for almost half of the energy consumption in your home [source: DOE]. This is where the Nest Learning Thermostat comes into play; it goes beyond simple temperature detection and helps you save energy. In this article, we will explore how the Nest Learning Thermostat works, what it does, and the challenges it faces in the HVAC industry.

Most thermostats work by letting you set a desired temperature and monitor the current temperature. Programmable thermostats can help you save on energy by letting you program certain temperatures for certain times of the day. However, these thermostats are often complicated, and people don’t always program them correctly, which can negate their energy-saving potential.

The Nest Learning Thermostat solves this problem by programming itself. It learns your behavior patterns and desired temperatures for certain days and times of the week. Then, it builds a schedule for your HVAC system. Nest isn’t the only smart thermostat on the market, but it’s the most famous, thanks to Google’s purchase of Nest Labs for reported $3.2 billion in January 2014.

How did the father of the iPod get into thermostats?

Nest creators Matt Rogers (left) and Tony Fadell (right)
Image courtesy of Nest Labs

Tony Fadell, the father of the iPod, had an innovative idea to improve the thermostat while building his new house in Lake Tahoe in 2008. He took his vision to his former colleague Matt Rogers, who was responsible for iPod software development. Rogers joined Fadell in nurturing the idea, and the Nest Learning Thermostat was born [source: SmartPlanet].

Fadell and Rogers faced a challenge when they entered the HVAC industry with no prior knowledge. Seeking help from HVAC professionals across the US, they gained a better understanding of how people use thermostats. With this knowledge, they created the Nest Learning Thermostat, which features a sleek interface and multi-device connectivity. The Nest works with existing HVAC systems and has a circular interface that fades to a black screen saver when not in use. Motion and light sensors activate the interface when someone approaches, and the outer ring is used to adjust the temperature. The color background indicates whether the home is being cooled (blue) or warmed (orange). The second-generation model is 20% slimmer than the original, with design improvements such as a smooth, opaque black plastic surface and a single rotating outer ring. The Nest also features energy-saving technology, including a display that shows how long it will take to reach the desired temperature.

The Nest Learning Thermostat uses a variety of inputs to observe your daily routine and automatically maintain your HVAC schedule. This is made possible through the Nest Sense technology, which gathers data from various sources such as temperature sensors, humidity sensor, motion and light sensors, and a WiFi connection to get weather data. The Nest creates an auto-away mode based on what it has learned from your routine and also displays an estimated time for the system to reach the desired temperature. It also displays a green leaf to indicate energy-saving settings and lets you know what activity resulted in the greatest energy savings. You can monitor and adjust the Nest remotely from the website or through a mobile app. The Nest can be added to multiple thermostats in a building and can manage up to 10 Nest devices. The Nest Sense technology creates a schedule for your HVAC based on the data gathered from its sensors and algorithms.

The Nest thermostat has several features, including the ability to activate device settings at specific times of the day on each day of the week and auto-away times. Users can view the schedule from the Nest thermostat’s interface or from their Nest account online. Manual adjustments can also be made, which can be useful for extended periods away from home or for days when the user will be home instead of away during typical work or school hours. Regular software updates and bug fixes are rolled out, with new capabilities added to the device. The 3.0 version of the software uses different algorithms depending on the HVAC setup to provide more efficient features. The device is also multilingual, allowing control in English, French, or Spanish. The installation process includes checking compatibility with the existing thermostat and HVAC system. The second generation Nest thermostat has 10 wire connection points, making it compatible with 95% of 24 volt HVAC systems.

To install a Nest thermostat, first ensure that your home’s wiring is compatible with the device. If you feel comfortable with DIY projects like installing light fixtures or ceiling fans, you can follow the instructions provided by Nest to install the thermostat yourself. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, you can use the Nest Certified Professionals lookup to find an installer in your area.

Once you’ve installed the physical device, follow Nest’s instructions to set up the software. This involves connecting to your WiFi network and Nest account. After completing this step, you can begin using Nest to control your HVAC system.

Nest takes about a week to create an approximate operating schedule based on the temperature adjustments you make. It continues to learn your habits and gather data on your local weather over time.

Despite its many features, Nest faces challenges in the HVAC market. As of early 2014, the cost of a Nest thermostat was $249, which is more expensive than programmable thermostats from established brands like Honeywell, Filtrete, and Cadet. Non-programmable thermostats are even cheaper, with some models costing less than $20. This means that Nest’s target audience is likely to be people with moderate to high incomes or a strong interest in energy-saving features.

In addition, many consumers know very little about how their HVAC systems work, which may make it difficult to sell the product directly to them. Nest’s target audience may eventually shift to HVAC professionals and building contractors instead of home and business owners.

Nest has also faced legal battles, including patent infringement lawsuits from companies like Honeywell and Allure Energy. In early 2014, Google announced plans to acquire Nest for $3.2 billion, which may provide the company with more resources to fight these legal battles. However, the acquisition has raised privacy concerns among some consumers who worry about Google accessing data from Nest’s sensors and products. Nest has assured customers that their privacy policy will remain in place and that the data will only be used to improve Nest’s products and services.

Moving Your Nest Anywhere You Go

Many people don’t realize that their thermostats can be portable, but they can be. The Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with various HVAC systems, allowing you to take it with you wherever you may go. Whether you’re renting your home or business location, you can temporarily install Nests in place of the original thermostats, then remove them and take them with you when you leave. Nonetheless, it’s important to get permission from your landlord before installing any Nests to avoid any issues.

Originally Published: Mar 6, 2012

Nest Thermostat FAQ

How does the Nest thermostat function?
The Nest Learning Thermostat uses self-programming technology to learn your temperature preferences based on the time of day. It takes a week for it to learn and self-program.
Can I install the Nest thermostat myself?
Thanks to the user manual and an instructional video, installing the Nest Thermostat is a breeze. However, you may need to contact an electrician to remove the existing thermostat.
Are there any monthly fees for the Nest?
There are no subscription fees for the Nest thermostat. Users can connect to their Nest devices for free via the app using either Wifi or data.
Is the Nest thermostat worth the money?
Absolutely. The Nest Thermostat can save you up to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling costs, which means you can make up for the cost of the Nest Thermostat within a year of installation.
How do I obtain the Nest app?
You can easily get the latest Nest app from both the Google Play and Apple App Store. Since some of the app’s features are only available on the computer, it’s recommended that you also visit home.nest.com on your computer.

More Information Available

Author’s Note: The Nest Learning Thermostat’s Functionality

After updating this article, I am incredibly impressed with the Nest Learning Thermostat. I would love to try it out if my outdated HVAC system (and my finances) can manage it. The Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm has also caught my attention. The two devices can interact with one another to respond to changes in your home environment.

Companies such as Nest are revolutionizing the so-called Internet of Things by offering some useful new features. Who knows what the next ubiquitous appliance will be? I can’t wait for the day when my fridge can text me that the milk has gone bad or suggest a meal based on its contents. The Nest thermostat brings us one step closer to the wired homes of the future. — BJ

home heats up with Google’s acquisition of Nest Labs for $3.2 billion. Nest’s flagship product, the Nest Learning Thermostat, is a programmable thermostat that learns the habits of its users and adjusts the temperature accordingly. It can also be controlled remotely via smartphone or tablet. The thermostat’s sleek design and energy-saving features have won it accolades and a loyal following. Nest Labs has also developed a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, the Nest Protect, and has plans for further expansion into the smart home market. The acquisition by Google is seen as a move to dominate the emerging market for connected homes and the Internet of Things.

The battle for the smart connected thermostat continues, according to an article on Gigaom. Meanwhile, Google’s acquisition of Nest for $3.2 billion is seen as a move towards making the Internet of Things a reality in the US, as reported by Wired. However, Yahoo! Finance reported on a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Allure Energy against Nest Labs.

FAQ

1. What is the Nest Learning Thermostat?

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat that learns your preferred temperature settings and creates a personalized schedule for your home. It can be controlled remotely through your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and it can also be integrated with other smart home devices.

2. How does the Nest Learning Thermostat learn?

The Nest Learning Thermostat uses machine learning algorithms to analyze your temperature preferences and daily routines. It also takes into account factors such as weather conditions and the thermal properties of your home. Over time, it creates a customized temperature schedule that adapts to your needs and helps you save energy.

3. How does the Nest Learning Thermostat save energy?

The Nest Learning Thermostat saves energy by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your habits and preferences. For example, it can lower the temperature when you’re away from home or during the night, and raise it when you’re back or waking up. It can also detect when windows or doors are open and adjust the temperature accordingly. These features can help reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

4. How easy is it to install the Nest Learning Thermostat?

The Nest Learning Thermostat is designed to be easy to install and can be done in less than an hour. It comes with a detailed installation guide and can be installed by most homeowners without professional help. However, if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to install it for you.

5. Does the Nest Learning Thermostat work with other smart home devices?

Yes, the Nest Learning Thermostat can be integrated with other smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. This allows you to control your thermostat with voice commands or through a central app that manages all your smart devices.

6. How secure is the Nest Learning Thermostat?

The Nest Learning Thermostat uses advanced encryption and security protocols to protect your data and keep your home safe. It also has built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of emergencies or malfunctions.

7. Can the Nest Learning Thermostat be used in a rental property?

Yes, the Nest Learning Thermostat can be used in a rental property as long as you have the permission of your landlord or property manager. It can also be easily uninstalled and taken with you when you move out.

8. How long does the Nest Learning Thermostat last?

The Nest Learning Thermostat is designed to last for at least 10 years, but it can last longer depending on usage and maintenance. It comes with a 2-year limited warranty and a 60-day return policy.