Time to Warm up your Nest

Nest 3rd-gen thermostat is a good smart heating system that comes with a variety of new features but is it the best out there?

10:41 15 March 2017

Nest thermostat is well-designed, very reliable and user-friendly. It is currently the only smart thermostat system that incorporates protect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. It allows you to intelligently monitor and control your heating from your phone allowing you to save money. Its app has an added two-factor authentication offering better protection against hackers.

 

The 2nd and 3rd-gen have the same capabilities. However, the latter allows you to control your heating either the old-fashioned way or by using the app on your phone from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

 

The Nest, which is specifically made for smaller homes, supports multiple zones as well as under-floor heating.

 

Price and Features

 

Nest thermostat costs £199 or £249 with installation. It comes with the following new features:

 

·       Hot water control

 

·       Bigger, higher resolution display – From 44mm, the display is now 53mm across. And from 320x320, its resolution is now 480x480.

 

·       OpenTherm support – This feature helps the boiler work out the exact amount of gas to burn to reach or maintain the required temperature. For efficiency, check if you need to replace and upgrade your boiler.

 

·       Thinner profile – Makes you want to show off rather than hide away as with other thermostat displays.

 

·       Heat Link – This is compatible with the vast majority of heating systems including combi-boilers.

 

 

Display

 

The Nest features a better-looking circular colour LCD display that allows you to change the temperature without using an app. The thermostat also comes with a stand that cost £29 which you can forgo should you decide to use your existing in-wall thermostat wiring to power the Nest’s screen. Viewing angles are good left to right but not when viewed from below. There’s a hidden sensor below the display that detects movement and automatically turns the screen on when you raise your hand to use the dial.

 

Nest Learning, Nest Protect smoke and carbon dioxide detectors

 

At its most basic level, Nest can be used just like an old thermostat – walk up to it and turn up the heat. However, Nest offers valuable features such as learning your preference. For the first two weeks after installation, you are encouraged to turn the dial down when you leave the house and turn it up when you come back it. This effectively trains the system that is boosted by Nest’s movement sensors that detects if somebody is still in the house. It not, the system will automatically turn down the heat and show auto away display.

 

The Nest system also integrates with the Nest Protect smoke and carbon dioxide detectors that provide vocal warnings in cases of emergency. Instead of meaningless beeps, you may hear a warning “Be aware. There’s smoke in the kitchen.”

 

Software Updates

 

The latest update is version 5.6 where eco temperature and added support for PTAC systems have been included. Other features added in previous updates included enhanced auto-schedule, quick view and system test.

 

Nest Saves You Money

 

With the ability to monitor and control your heating remotely, you’ll be able to save money in the long run.