Now that your new Google Nest Thermostat is attached to the wall and powered, it’s time to get it up and running, saving money and keeping your home comfortable. The initial setting sequence of the Nest thermostat might seem a little difficult at first sight. The menu to configure Google Nest thermostat is a bit long and there are many questions to answer, but the entire configuration is actually quite fast and simple.
Unlike many other smart thermostats, Nest does not have a touchscreen. You can switch between settings by turning the dial to the right or left and to select, and press on the front of the Nest thermostat like a giant button.
How to configure Google Nest thermostat
The process of installing a Nest thermostat may seem a bit long and difficult, but do not be intimidated. First you will answer a few questions, then connect the thermostat to the Nest app on your mobile device. It’s all easy and it won’t take long to set it up.
- First, select the preferred language from the list, then confirm that choice on the next screen.
- Nest will display a list of all the Wi-Fi networks it receives. Choose your network, then switch to the password entry screen, which requires the use of the dial button to enter each character. When the password is entered, dial and select the check mark at the bottom of the screen.
- Once Nest has confirmed its Wi-Fi connection, press the Face button again to continue. Nest will quickly check for important updates before you can go ahead.
- Set your location. This setting allows Nest to provide you with the current time and date for your area, but should be able to figure out where it is and ask you to confirm the location.
- Next, you need to let Nest know which type of home is installed. Select Single-Family, Multi-Family, Apt / Condo, or Business, then press the front button.
- Select which room Nest is located in.
- Confirmation. Nest will ask you if you are the homeowner or a professional installer. Unless you are actually a professional installer, select Home Owner.
- He will then show you a wiring diagram and ask you to press the front button to continue. If something seems out of place in the wiring diagram, it means that at least one of the wires probably hasn’t been connected properly. In this case, you will need to remove Nest from the media and recheck the wires to resolve any problems. If it is necessary to check the wiring, remember to switch off the Nest thermostat completely and use all the appropriate precautions to check the wiring of the wires.
- Nest will ask for confirmation of the type of system in use. If everything looks okay, select Continue.
- Tell the Nest thermostat what the fuel source of your heating system is. Select Gas, Electric, Oil, Propane, Geothermal or I don’t know.
- Finally, you will be asked which type of heat you use. Select Forced air, Floor radiant, Radiators or Other information.
- The Nest will then want to know if it should start with heating or cooling. For example, in August it is very hot, we choose cooling.
- In addition to the Eco mode, select Eco temperature preferences. These are essentially the temperature thresholds that Nest will use when no one is home.
Return to the main configuration menu, select System Test. The thermostat is fully configured and it is time to make sure everything works! You can choose not to perform the test, but we recommend that you take a few minutes to test every part of the system- heating, cooling and fan. When you are satisfied, select Done.
How to use the Nest thermostat with the Nest app
The last option in the setup menu. Nest asks if you want to check it with the Nest app. Otherwise, it is possible to ignore and terminate the installation, but if so, select Yes on the thermostat. A code will appear on the Nest that must be entered in the app to connect the two.
Nest assumes that the app is already installed. If you don’t have the app installed, do it now.
- From the app, tap the + button to add your home to the app. Give it a name and touch Next.
- Enter your address and let the app know if you want to use its geofencing capabilities. Geofencing means that the app uses the phone’s location to find out whether you are at home or away from home and other options, such as making sure the house is at the right temperature when you get home.
- For people living in homes where someone is always at home, this option probably won’t have much value.
- Once done, tap Add.
- The app will ask you to scan the QR code on the back of the thermostat. You can remove Nest from the wall, if you want, or touch Continue without scanning.
- The app will ask you which product you are installing, if it is already installed, and then the access key.
- Regardless of how you choose to confirm the connection, once done, Nest will inform you that it is connected to your account. Tap a couple of info screens on the thermostat, then tap Done in the setup options.
Finally, you’ll see the Nest family home screen. Adjust the dial to the temperature you prefer and it will tell you how long it will take to reach it. So was it easy to configure Google Nest thermostat ?
