Nest Thermostat (3rd Gen) - A thermostat to save you money
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Nest Thermostat (3rd Gen) - A thermostat to save you money  | ||||||||||||||
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Transcript[edit | edit source]
The 3rd Generation Nest Learning Thermostat: It claims to program itself, save you energy, and let you control it from anywhere using the Nest app. [“The Nest Learning Thermostat programs itself. It helps save energy. You can control it from anywhere with the Nest app.”]
The design of the Nest is modern and elegant. There’s a small circular screen on the front and a large ring around the outside that you use to navigate the UI. It comes in Silver, Copper, Black, and White.
When you install the Nest thermostat, you can either install it directly onto the wall or use the included backplate to cover any holes that might be left from your old thermostat. It comes with wire labels and a screwdriver, so all you have to do is unhook the wires from your old thermostat and plug them into the base. The Nest snaps onto the base then guides you through the setup. If there are any issues with wires, the Nest will alert you. And in some cities you can have a Nest Pro technician do the install for you.
The Nest connects over Wi-Fi, and you can optionally link it to the app so you can control it from anywhere, as well as set up schedules.
As it says in the name, the Nest thermostat is meant to learn. Each month, Nest will send you a report of your home to let you know how you did on energy saving and give you tips on how to improve. It learns your schedule and saves you money by turning off the heat or air conditioning when you’re away. And if your schedule is primarily consistent, this feature works pretty well, but if your schedule is more irregular, it can turn off at the wrong times, and you end up having to manually correct it. You can turn off these features, however, and still use the thermostat through manual scheduling and control through the app.
Nest can also integrate with other smart home accessories. Certain smart locks will automatically switch your thermostat between home and away when you lock and unlock your door. And smart lighting can automatically turn off when your Nest detects that no one is home.
The thermostat also has something called farsight. This allows it to detect when you walk by, and it will turn on the screen to show either the temperature inside, what the temperature is currently set at, or a clock depending on what you choose. When you walk closer, it takes you into the thermostat controls. While this feature isn’t necessarily a selling point of the device, it was nice to be able to get quick information from across the room.
The Nest Learning Thermostat definitely adds a level of convenience not found in typical thermostats, but at $250, it’s a high price for what many would consider minor comforts.
The verdict from our panel of judges
Katelyn Salem: Get it
Logan George: Don't get it
Michael Aranda: Get it
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