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Believe it or not, Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat has been a cornerstone in the smart home arena since late 2011. Well, the first ever, pre-Google, model celebrates its 13th birthday this year.
While it’s gone through some changes over the years, the Nest and now Google Nest smart/learning thermostat has largely been about small evolutions along the way. The fourth-generation model shakes things up a bit more this time around, offering refinements in design and functionality that keep it relevant in a rapidly evolving market. And although it looks a bit different on the surface, it still maintains the brand’s aesthetics.
Let’s take a closer look at the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Generation) for 2024.
Design
Available in polished gold, obsidian, and silver, the thermostat offers options to match different tastes. The polished gold, for example, adds a warm touch without being too flashy. Polished obsidian provides a dark, elegant look, while polished silver maintains a classic and versatile appearance. These finishes let you pick a thermostat that complements your home’s color scheme.
The fourth-gen model boasts a 3.9-inch circular LCD screen, which is 60% bigger than the previous version. This makes reading the temperature and other information much easier. The screen edges blend smoothly into the bezel, giving it a polished and high-tech look. Its reflective surface acts like a mirror, adding an interactive element as it responds to light and your presence.
The larger screen not only looks good but also makes it easier to read from across the room. The optional oval plate allows for additional customization, helping the thermostat fit better into different spaces. The small connector buttons on the base, while tiny, contribute to the overall clean look and help keep the installation neat.
The physical dial on the thermostat remains a key feature, offering a tactile way to adjust settings. The larger dial on this model is easier to turn and select options with precision. Each click provides audible feedback, so you know your adjustments are registered—no more second-guessing if you turned it enough.
Features
This model comes packed with new functionalities aimed at enhancing both user experience and home efficiency:
- Temperature Sensor: Included with the thermostat, this sensor allows you to prioritize the temperature in specific rooms. Need more sensors? They’re available for purchase separately.
- Far Sight: Using Google’s Soli radar technology, the thermostat changes its display based on your distance. Whether you’re near or far, it shows relevant information like clocks or weather updates—no need to wave like you’re signaling a passing ship.
- Smart Schedules: An AI-driven scheduler that learns your habits to adjust temperatures automatically or offer suggestions, helping you stay comfortable without becoming a thermostat wrangler.
- Presence Sensing: Detects if anyone is home by using smartphone locations, adjusting heating and cooling to save energy when the house is empty. Just make sure everyone’s invited to the Google Home app party.
- System Health Monitor and Smart Ventilation: Alerts you to potential HVAC issues and adjusts ventilation based on outdoor air quality and humidity. It’s like having a personal assistant for your home’s climate control.
- Matter Compatibility: Integrates with Apple’s HomeKit, allowing control through the Apple Home app alongside Google Home. It’s playing nicely with others in the smart home neighborhood.
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via Google Nest
Customization is straightforward with the interactive display. Depending on how close you are, the screen can show different information, thanks to Far Sight technology. You can choose from six home screens, including clocks and weather updates, to personalize what appears when you approach the thermostat. This feature adds functionality without overwhelming you with constant information.
The larger 3.9-inch screen makes it easy to read from a distance, and the tactile dial allows for precise adjustments without fumbling through menus. The audible clicks provide confirmation with each turn, so you always know your settings are just right. It’s user-friendly enough for tech newbies and satisfying for gadget enthusiasts alike.
For those who enjoy using voice commands, the Nest thermostat integrates smoothly with Google Assistant and other voice-activated devices like the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Watch. Adjusting the temperature, setting schedules, or checking the weather can all be done hands-free, making it a convenient addition to your smart home setup. It’s perfect for those moments when your hands are full or you simply prefer talking to your gadgets.
Setup
Installing the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat is a breeze compared to its predecessors. The setup process is guided through the Google Home app, replacing the older Nest app. Ensure your HVAC system is compatible and switch off the relevant breaker to cut power.
The new thermostat base requires a complete replacement due to its different size, but the installation time has been slashed to around 10 minutes. One minor hiccup: the connector buttons are quite small, making wire placement a bit of a finger gymnastics routine. A precision screwdriver might come in handy if your fingers aren’t as nimble as mine.
As big as the plate behind the thermostat is, I’ve still got some touching up paint-wise on my wall. It’s more pill-shaped whereas the previous one had a rectangular plate and as such, there are spots where the old paint shows through.
General Performance
Maintaining a strong connection to your home Wi-Fi network is crucial, and the fourth-gen Nest excels in this area. It remains consistently connected, minimizing interruptions and ensuring steady performance.
Integration with the Google Home app allows for seamless remote control, letting you make adjustments from anywhere with an internet connection. Over several weeks of use, there have been no significant connectivity issues, providing peace of mind.
A key feature of the Nest Learning Thermostat is its ability to learn your habits. Over time, it adapts to your daily routines, automatically adjusting temperatures to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re waking up early or returning home late, the thermostat anticipates your needs without constant manual input. This learning process is smooth and effective, contributing to both comfort and energy savings.
Energy savings are a major aspect of the thermostat’s performance. Features like Smart Schedules and Presence Sensing optimize heating and cooling based on occupancy and usage patterns. This intelligent management translates to reduced energy consumption, which can be reflected in lower utility bills over time.
The System Health Monitor keeps track of your HVAC system’s performance, alerting you to any irregularities such as inconsistent heating or cooling rates. This early warning system helps address problems before they escalate, keeping your HVAC system operating efficiently and reliably.
Smart Ventilation adjusts your home’s ventilation based on outdoor air quality and humidity levels. This feature not only maintains a comfortable indoor environment but also makes sure that the air quality remains healthy. By automatically regulating ventilation, the thermostat contributes to a fresher and more pleasant living space without requiring manual adjustments.
Value Proposition and Parting Thoughts
The fourth-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat strikes a balance between premium design, advanced features, and reliable performance, making it a noteworthy option in the smart thermostat market. But you’ll pay for these privileges.
Priced at $279.99, it is positioned above some competitors; however, the Nest model includes a temperature sensor right out of the box, which adds immediate value for users aiming to optimize temperature control in specific areas without additional purchases.
The thermostat’s elegant design and interactive display cater to those who value both aesthetics and functionality. Its pain-free integration with the Google Home ecosystem, and Matter compatibility, offers flexibility for smart home setups.
Features such as Smart Schedules, Presence Sensing, and Far Sight technology contribute to energy savings and user convenience, potentially offsetting the higher initial cost through reduced utility bills over time.
For households that benefit from the included temperature sensor and the thermostat’s ability to learn and adapt to daily routines, the additional investment may prove worthwhile.
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