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How to install the Nest Learning Thermostat
If you're sold on conserving energy and reducing your bills with Nest, use this guide to install and configure your smart, new thermostat.
(Credit:
Josh Miller)
It's not often we stop to consider the ol' thermostat. Although it plays an important part in our comfort and energy bill, it doesn't get much attention, ignored among other utilities like water heaters and trash compactors. Most times, we set it, forget it, and get on with our lives.
But the Nest Learning Thermostat is aiming to change the way we approach heating and cooling with the technology and design fit for the gadget lover in a modern home.
Easy to install and maintain, Nest packs "learning" features, as it remembers your temperature preferences for times throughout the day and programs itself to create a personalized schedule. But what's a modern thermostat without Internet capabilities? With a one-time setup, Nest connects to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to remotely adjust your temperature using any smartphone or Web browser from afar.
Ultimately, Nest will attempt to help you cut costs on heating and cooling, all the while making your home a little greener. When you're saving energy, a small green leaf will appear on the display.
Before you take the $250 plunge, take this quick survey to find out if the Nest thermostat is compatible with your home. It requires that you remove your thermostat (which is easy) and take a look at some of the wiring. If you're confused, play the video at the bottom of the survey to get visual instructions for checking your current wiring.
If you completed the poll, got a green light, and you're ready to install Nest, follow these steps:
- Complete the Nest compatibility survey. Take the survey.
- Remove your old thermostat, preserving the wires.
- Install the Nest thermostat with Nest's superclear instructions and our How To video (below)
- Set up the Nest learning system. Instructions here.
- Use your mobile phone to control Nest while you're away.
How to install a Nest Thermostat
Once your Nest thermostat is all set up, and you've set the temperature, it'll begin "learning" immediately. Over the next seven days, Nest will collect data about the way you adjust your heating or cooling, and only then will it begin giving you smart feedback to help you conserve energy.
The last and final step is to set up your Nest account so that you can control your thermostat while you're away from home.
(Credit:
Nest)
To pair your mobile device (Android or iPhone) with Nest, download the Nest app. Then, connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your Nest thermostat (presumably your only home network.)
Then open the app and tap Sign Up for a Nest Account. Enter your e-mail address, create a username and password, then click Sign up.
Since you're on the same Wi-Fi network as the thermostat, the app should automatically pair with Nest. If it doesn't, follow these steps.
In addition to remote controlling Nest from your smartphone, you can log in to the Nest Web site and access your settings there. Just head to Nest.com and click Control your Nest in the upper-right.
If you have additional suggestions or questions about Nest, leave them in the comments section.
