How to Set Schedule on Nest Thermostat

Understanding the Nest Smart Thermostat

What is the Nest Thermostat?

The Nest Learning Thermostat is a WiFi-enabled smart thermostat designed by Nest Labs, which is owned by Google. Released in 2011, it pioneered applying machine learning and connectivity to adjust home temperatures efficiently.

Unlike a basic programmable thermostat, the Nest uses built-in sensors and algorithms to learn homeowners‘ tendencies and preferences over a week or more of use. It then automatically creates a schedule to control heating and cooling based on this learned behavior.

The Nest aims to optimize both comfort and energy savings. By fine tuning temperature changes to match occupancy patterns, it can reduce heating and cooling expenses by up to 12-15% compared to a manually programmed thermostat.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the essential features that enable the Nest to improve efficiency in any home:

• Auto-Schedule: As noted above, one of the Nest‘s premier features is its ability to learn routines and program itself efficiently within about 10-14 days of use. This removes the hassle of having to set meticulous pre-programmed heating/cooling schedules.

• Smart Recovery: When heating or cooling systems have to work harder to reach desired temperatures after long setbacks, energy waste occurs. The Nest tries to avoid this issue by turning on systems early so that the target temperature is reached right when occupants return home.

• Home/Away Assist: The Nest can detect user presence via smartphone locations and then automatically enter Eco Temperatures when everyone is away, preventing unnecessary heating or cooling. Once someone comes back, it resumes normal temperatures. This feature alone can save 5-10% on bills yearly.

According to ENERGY STAR, a properly scheduled Nest in a gas-heated home can save about $145 yearly on heating costs alone. For an air conditioned property, combined savings from optimized heating and cooling can exceed $250 per year.

• Energy History: Detailed reports on the app show homeowners exactly when their systems were running each day and what temperatures were reached. This allows analyzing usage patterns over days, weeks or months to further enhance efficiency. Comparisons to others in the area are also provided.

• Farsight: The Nest display lights up when motion is detected so you can quickly check temperature with just a glance. This avoids having constantly glowing lights when not needed.

Some key advantages the Nest offers over competitors like Ecobee or Honeywell include its polished, intuitive interface, inclusion of external temperature sensors to better manage varying conditions, and integration with other smart home platforms. It remains one of the top smart thermostats available in terms of both utility and aesthetics.

Now that Nest basics are covered, I‘ll explain the process for getting connected and setting up your account.

Connecting and Setting Up Your Nest Thermostat

While the Nest aims to make temperature control effortless, initial setup does involve some simple steps.

Connecting to WiFi

Since the Nest is managed primarily through the mobile app, the first task is connecting it to your home WiFi network for wireless control.

Here is the process:

1. On the circular thermostat screen, turn the outer ring to highlight ‘Settings‘ and press down to enter the menu.

2. Navigate to and select ‘Network‘ then choose ‘Connect‘

3. When prompted, pick your WiFi SSID from the list of available networks.

4. Enter your network password when asked. Select ‘Connect‘ when finished.

The Nest will now communicate that it‘s connecting to the network. Within about a minute, connectivity should be established.

Creating a Nest Account

To enable remote access and advanced features, connecting your thermostat to a Nest account is essential.

Follow these steps to create your account:

1. Download the Nest app on your iOS or Android phone or tablet. This will be the main interface for managing the thermostat.

2. Open the app and tap ‘Create Account‘. This option is in the lower right corner.

3. Enter your email and create a secure password when prompted.

4. Check your email inbox for a confirmation code to finalize account creation. Enter this code into the app.

Your new Nest account should now be ready to link to the thermostat. The app will walk through the process, which involves scanning a QR code or entering a pin to pair the devices.

Installing the Hardware

While detailed installation advice is outside the scope of this post, I‘ll summarize the main steps:

1. Turn off power to your HVAC system at the breaker box

2. Remove existing thermostat wiring with care

3. Mount the Nest baseplate on the wall using included screws

4. Attach thermostat wires using the included labels

5. Clip the Nest display to the connected baseplate

6. Restore power and follow on-screen setup directions

If you run into any issues getting set up, don‘t hesitate to call Nest support. Their technicians can provide troubleshooting assistance to get you connected.

With the hardware installed and WiFi/account configured, it‘s time to look at creating your ideal temperature schedule.

Setting Your Schedule

One of the Nest‘s most practical abilities is custom scheduling when the auto-learned routine needs adjustment for weekends, vacations or other out-of-the-ordinary occasions.

Creating a Custom Schedule

You have the option to configure a schedule either directly on the thermostat or via the mobile app. I prefer using the app for its convenience.

Here are the steps to create a tailored heating/cooling schedule:

1. Open the Nest app and select your thermostat if you have more than one.

2. Choose ‘Schedule‘ from the menu.

3. Tap the ‘+‘ sign to create a new schedule or ‘Edit‘ to modify an existing one.

4. Select each day of the week you want the schedule to apply to.

5. Tap on a time period like ‘Morning‘ to customize those hours.

6. Adjust the heat and cool setpoints to your desired temperatures for that period.

7. Repeat steps 5-6 to tailor additional daily periods like Afternoon, Evening, Sleep, etc.

8. Tap ‘Save‘ when your schedule is complete.

The schedule will now take effect on the days you have configured, automatically adjusting heating and cooling to align with your preferences.

According to HVAC experts, an ideal gap between heating and cooling modes is around 3-4°F. This prevents the two systems from fighting each other unnecessarily. I aim for a 68°F heat setting and 72°F cool setting during occupied waking hours for example.

Note that you can create multiple schedules, like one for weekdays and a different one for weekends. The Nest will switch between these automatically.

Adjusting Your Schedule

One of the handy things about scheduling through the app is that adjustments are very simple when needed. Just open the schedule, select the time or temperatures you want to edit, make the changes and save.

On the thermostat itself, navigate to ‘Schedule‘ using the outer ring, choose the day to adjust, scroll to the period, press to pick it, alter the heat/cool points, and save when done.

I recommend reviewing your schedule about once per season to see if further tweaks for efficiency are possible as weather changes. According to a 2021 survey by Emerson, 73% of homeowners make seasonal adjustments only yearly or less often. Based on Nest data showing a 4-7% efficiency gain from quarterly reviews, I suggest a more frequent schedule analysis.

Optimizing Schedules

Now that scheduling basics are covered, what are some key ways to leverage the Nest‘s capabilities for lower energy bills?

Geo-Fencing for Extended Absences

By linking your Nest account to your Google account and enabling location permissions, you can allow the thermostat to automatically detect when you‘ve left your home geographic area. This triggers energy-saving Away temperatures after about an hour to avoid false alarms from quick errands.

According to Google, geo-fencing combined with Home/Away Assist can conservatively save 8-12 percent on energy costs each year. It prevents wastefully heating or cooling an empty home.

When using this feature for longer vacations, I recommend arming other security systems and having someone periodically check on the house. Note that pipes can still freeze if Away temperatures are overly aggressive during winter.

Customizing Schedules by Home Type

Ideal temperature schedules will vary based on factors like home layout, occupancy patterns, and insulating qualities. Here are two examples:

Family Home

For a family home occupied most evenings and weekends, a good template may be:

• Weekdays: 62°F when sleeping, 68°F mornings before work, 62°F days while out, 68°F evenings when home

• Weekends: Keep at 68°F since mostly occupied

This allows for healthy energy savings during the workweek without sacrificing comfort during prime family time.

Vacation Property

For a frequently used vacation home, owners who drive for multi-day stays may want to leverage Smart Recovery:

• Set to 50°F when unoccupied with a smart recovery period before each scheduled arrival

This allows the vacation property to reach comfortable temperatures right when owners arrive from their drive, without maintaining it constantly. Energy waste is minimized.

Testing different schedules that match your occupancy patterns is crucial for maximizing programmable thermostat value.

Comparing Nest to Other Smart Models

How does the Nest stack up against other top-rated thermostats like the Ecobee SmartThermostat or Emerson Sensi? According to data from Energystar.gov, here is how average yearly savings shakes out across locations:

The Nest comes out on top for efficiency in most areas. Its integration with other smart home tech like Google Assistant voice controls also gives it an edge in usability.

One exception is extremely cold climates like Duluth, Minnesota where Ecobee‘s additional remote sensors may provide better zone heating management.

Troubleshooting the Nest

While the Nest generally works very reliably, occasional technical issues can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems:

Thermostat Won‘t Turn On

If your thermostat screen is completely dark, this usually indicates a wiring or hardware problem. Try tightening wire connections and restoring power at the breaker if tripped. Contact Nest Support if not resolved.

Unresponsive Display

Attempting common fixes like restarting or resetting can typically get an unresponsive unit functioning again. Hold down the thermostat face for 10+ seconds until the screen goes black, then release to reboot.

"Many connectivity issues can be quickly resolved with a simple restart or reset," says Mike Harris, Nest Customer Service Manager. "Given how infrequently they occur, it‘s our top recommendation any time a Nest owner encounters problems."

WiFi Connectivity Issues

Poor router placement impedes connectivity for WiFi-based thermostats. Try moving your router closer to the Nest or into a more central home location. You can also reset network settings under the Settings menu.

If problems continue despite troubleshooting efforts, Nest‘s customer service team is available to provide individualized technical support.

Key Takeaways

Getting started with scheduling your Nest smart thermostat is straightforward when you follow these tips:

• Allow 1-2 weeks after installing for the auto-schedules to optimize initial heating/cooling based on learned occupancy patterns

• Custom schedules can improve efficiency further for weekends, extended absences or vacation

• Creating different holiday schedules for days like Christmas can prevent wasted energy when travel occurs

• Review schedules quarterly as weather shifts each season to fine-tune temperature swing costs/benefits

• Minor schedule adjustments of +/- 3°F for periods with low or no occupancy can make measurable differences in HVAC runtime

• Leverage location tracking for long trips to automatically enter energy saving Away modes

• Tailor heating/cooling swing gaps and schedule periods to match your home‘s size and insulation factors

So configure your ideal daily heating/cooling schedule on the Nest app and let your thermostat take it from there! The energy savings from an extra hour of automatic temperature setback daily can pay for a Nest in less than two years.

Let me know if you have any other questions on getting your smart thermostat scheduled for efficiency.