Google Nest Learning Thermostat promises to make controlling your home's temperature more effortless and more energy-efficient. But is it worth the investment? In this review, we'll take a closer look at what the Nest has to offer. In addition, it will review the Nest Thermostat behavior with the heat pump and support provided by the Google Nest Customer Care Team.
First Impressions
Installation
Installing the Nest was a little confusing for me, as I have a split-level home with two thermostats for my air conditioning and heating system. However, with a little research, I was able to figure out where to install it on my main level. It was a straightforward process and the Nest comes with everything you need to install it yourself.
Energy Savings
One of the main reasons I bought the Nest was to reduce my utility bills which include electricity and gas. To my surprise, my first impression was not a good one. Instead of seeing a reduction in the bill, there was an increase overall bill in the winter. Despite this, I'm still hopeful that the Nest will help me save energy in the long run.
The Nest can detect when you're away from home and adjust the temperature to save energy.
The increase in the electricity bill during the winter months could be due to the way the split-level home's heating system is set up. The main level and basement are heated by one gas system, while a separate electric system heats the upper level. This setup can make it difficult for the Nest to optimize your heating efficiently, as it's designed to work best with a single, unified heating system.
Additionally, gas is typically cheaper than electricity, which means that the Nest might have been trying to use more electricity to heat your home instead of relying on the more cost-effective gas. This resulted in a higher energy bill.
Based on the price difference between electricity and natural gas in your area, it might be more cost-effective to heat the main level with gas and use electricity to heat the upper level. If the reduction in electricity costs is higher than the cost of natural gas, this approach could help lower your overall energy bill.
It's essential to keep in mind that every home is different, and the optimal heating strategy will depend on several factors, such as insulation, the layout of your home, and the local climate.
In any case, it's worth experimenting with different heating strategies and monitoring your energy bills to find what works best for your home. By doing so, you can help reduce your energy costs and make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
How well does it work?
Google Nest works at the main level, but it did not work for me at the upper level.
The Upper-level Air conditioning system has additional features like Auxilary Heating and Heat Pump.
It worked in the winter with Auxiliary heating, but it did not work in the summer with the heat pump.
Auxiliary heating refers to a secondary heating system used in conjunction with the primary heating system in an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This secondary heating system is typically used to provide additional heating capacity during periods of extremely cold weather or when the primary heating system is unable to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
The auxiliary heating system, on the other hand, is often an electric heating element or a backup furnace that is activated when the primary heating system is unable to maintain the desired indoor temperature.
Auxiliary heating systems can be an important feature in areas with very cold winters or in buildings with poor insulation, as they can provide additional heating capacity to supplement the primary heating system. However, they can also be expensive to operate, especially if they rely on electric heating elements, which can consume a significant amount of energy.
A heat pump is a device used in HVAC systems that transfers heat from one location to another, typically from the outdoor air or ground to the inside of a building to provide heating or cooling.
Heat pumps work by circulating a refrigerant between an indoor and an outdoor unit. In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air or ground and transfers it to the indoor unit, where it is released to heat the indoor air. In cooling mode, the process is reversed, with heat being absorbed from the indoor air and released to the outdoor air or ground.
Heat pumps are often more energy-efficient than other heating and cooling systems because they do not generate heat directly. Instead, they transfer heat from one location to another, which requires less energy than generating heat. Heat pumps can also be used in combination with other heating systems, such as furnaces or boilers, to provide additional heating capacity during periods of extreme cold weather.
Google Nest Customer Care Team.
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Pros and Cons
Pros:
Sleek design
Easy-to-use interface
Smart features that can help you save energy
Ability to control the temperature from your phone
Cons:
Initial confusion about where to install it
Surprise increase in heating bill instead of reduction
The Final Score
In conclusion, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation, is an excellent investment for anyone looking to save energy and make their home more comfortable. While my initial experience with the device wasn't perfect, I'm still hopeful that I can find a heating strategy that will help me save energy and money in the long run. With its ease of use, learning feature, and stylish design, the Nest is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to upgrade their home's heating and cooling system.
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