What Is the Newest Nest Thermostat Out Now?

The 4th generation Nest Thermostat is Google’s most recent thermostat release. If you’re a tech lover who is always on the lookout for the latest upgrades, this one may interest you. The latest Nest Thermostat has many exciting features worth checking out. From its simple and modern design to its lower price, Google has surprised us with a cost-effective and eco-friendly Nest model.

This article explores the features of Google’s newest device and provides basic setup and troubleshooting information.

Nest Thermostat 4th Generation – Overview

At nearly $100 less than its predecessor, the newest device has been designed with meaningful updates to simplify operation and performance. The 4th gen Nest Thermostat may be similar to the previous versions, but Google made some noteworthy changes with their newest product.

Appearance

This version of the Nest Thermostat is slimmer and more modern looking than previous iterations. Google has also decided to replace the traditional rotating dial with a touch-sensitive strip. Swiping and tapping on the touch screen has replaced the old-fashioned fiddling with a dial for temperature adjustments. The finishing touch to its appearance was accomplished with a mirrored front that makes it look sleek.

Following its eco-friendly standards, the device is made from 49% recycled plastic. It’s available in many colors, including white, gray, light pink, and light green, that perfectly blend with your room.

Equipped with the Soli Radar Technology, the thermostat automatically senses a person’s presence, lighting up when you stand in front of it. The information on the strip will be the current temperature and humidity levels.

Unlike previous models, this version eliminates the need for a window or a cut-out for a motion sensor. Thanks to these sensors, your thermostat can regulate the temperature automatically when it senses nobody’s home to help you save energy.

Cost-Effective

Nest has advertised this new device as a smart thermostat that will help you save an average of 15% on your cooling bills and 10% to 12% on your heating bills. This might not be the kind of cost reduction you notice immediately, but the Nest Thermostat will positively impact your electric bills over time.

Additionally, the Home app will give you more control of energy costs, like suggesting slight temperature changes that will help you save money.

Manual Schedule System

The 4th generation thermostat has changed its previous learning software to a manual schedule system. This simpler method, although practical, may be considered a step back for some users.

The previous version of the Nest Thermostat had software that detected your living conditions and learned from them. With all this information, it could automatically predict the suitable room temperature for each hour of the day.

With a conventional schedule system on the newest device, you’ll have to set the desired temperatures manually according to your lifestyle. Fortunately, the setup process is relatively straightforward.

Temperature Mode Presets

Another valuable feature of the 4th generation Nest Thermostat is the temperature presets, which are included by default. They are divided into three categories: Comfort, Eco, and Sleep. These presets will come in handy when customizing your Nest Thermostat.

Comfort is generally the highest temperature and the one you’ll most likely want to set while at home. Sleep drops the temperature overnight, reducing energy costs while you’re using the covers to keep yourself warm.

As the name suggests, the Eco mode will automatically turn on when it senses nobody’s home to help you save energy and, thus, money. When you set your Nest device, you can decide the temperature the system will drop to when set to Eco mode.

Setting Up Your 4th Gen Nest Thermostat

Now that we’ve gone through the main features of the 4th generation Nest Thermostat, it’s time to go over the details that will help you install it and set it up.

Installation: Do I Need a C-Wire?

While the instructions for the Nest recommends having a C-wire for a proper thermostat installation, especially with older furnaces, installing it without one is possible. However, in cases where no C- wire is installed, the device will work with some limitations.

One minor limitation will be reduced battery life. Other weak points may compromise the proper functioning of your device, like:

• Disabled motion sensing
• Occasional disconnections with Wi-Fi
• Unexpected heating and cooling activation

The latter may be problematic, especially if it occurs while you’re not home.

The C-wire will provide more reliable power to the Nest Thermostat, removing all previously mentioned limitations.

To sum up, Nest’s recommendation of a C-wire is not something to take lightly. An electrician specializing in furnaces will be able to install it, but you need to consider that it will have an extra cost you may not have contemplated in your budget.

Trouble Getting Connected to Wi-Fi

You may encounter problems getting your Nest connected to your Home app once you’ve installed your C-wire. The most common issue is that you don’t get the option to connect to Wi-Fi.

Some of the most basic solutions will be to check your internet connection and ensure that you have the latest version of your Home app. If the problem persists, there is something else you can do that will help you solve the problem.

If you had a previous version of the Nest Thermostat already set in your Home app, make sure you delete it. Once you do, you’ll get the option to connect your new Nest to Wi-Fi, and the setup will continue with no further setbacks.

How to Control Your Nest Thermostat

The 4th generation Nest Thermostat can only be controlled using Google Home. Previous versions worked with both Google Home and the Nest app, but that’s no longer an option.

Thanks to the Google Home app, you can control your thermostat from anywhere in the house using your smartphone. Better yet, you’ll have control of your thermostat when you’re not home, allowing you to set and coordinate ambiance temperatures with your arrival time. This feature can come in handy, especially for travelers or second homeowners.

Another alternative to control your Nest device is through the home control feature using Google Assistant. You’ll just have to grant Google Assistant permission from your Nest account first. The voice command is also available.

How to Set Your Nest Thermostat With Alexa

Your thermostat can also be set up with the Alexa app, wherein you can control the temperature with your voice. The setting up process is straightforward. Follow the steps below to get started:

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app on your smartphone.
   
2. Find “Browse Skills” and select it.
   
3. Type “Google Nest” in the search bar in the top right corner.
   
4. Select the Google Nest skill, then tap the “Enable to Use” button.
   
5. A window will pop up where you’ll be asked to log in to your Nest account.
   
6. Choose the account you’d like to use and follow the prompts on the screen.
   
7. From the Alexa app, click on “Discover Devices” to allow Alexa to locate your Nest Thermostat.
   
8. Choose your Nest device, and you’ll be ready to use it with Alexa.

Is the Latest Version a Step Back?

The 4th generation Nest Thermostat may be considered a budget version of the previous ones. However, it has various features, such as the temperature mode presets, that will provide a comfortable room temperature for your home that you can coordinate with your schedule.

Controlling your device is also easier with this new model. You can install the Google Home app on your smartphone and control the Nest Thermostat from anywhere in your house, even when you’re not home.

What are your thoughts on the newest Nest version? Do you think it’s a step back or an upgrade? Let us know in the comments below.