It is simple to set up a Nest thermostat without the help of an electrician. In this article, you’ll see all steps required to install your Nest thermostat. But hopefully, before you buy one of these smart thermostats, you’ve followed the step-by-step instructions below to ensure that the latest generation of Nest works with your heating and cooling system.
Step 1: Use the Compatibility Checker
Google offers a useful online compatibility checker that helps you determine if a Nest thermostat is compatible with your HVAC system.
Step 2: Unpack and Prepare Your Nest Thermostat
Once you unpack the Nest thermostat box, you’ll find more than everything you’ll need to do the entire thermostat installation yourself.
The package includes:
Nest thermostat Nest thermostat base for wiring (this is an adapter for your existing thermostat wiring) Optional trim plate and Nest base plate Screw set Screwdriver Installation guide and wire stickers
You’ll want to remove the wiring sticker sheet before moving on to the next step, where you’ll remove your current thermostat and disconnect the wiring. You won’t need any special connectors or tools for the steps below. Everything you need comes in the package.
Step 3: Remove Your Old Thermostat and Prepare Wiring
If you install the Nest app for Android, or the Nest app for iPhone, it will take you through the process of wiring. However, you can complete the DIY wiring process using the steps below without installing the app first.
Note: For some thermostats, you must remove the batteries before removing the faceplate.
Step 4: Install Your Thermostat on the Wall
Now, you’re ready to install the Nest thermostat hardware. Depending on how your original thermostat was attached to the wall, you can use either the optional trim plate or the box plate. Usually, the trim plate is the best option.
Note: The attached screws are self-tapping and should adhere firmly to the drywall where your old thermostat was attached.
You now have your Nest thermostat fully installed. You just have to go through the Nest app setup process below to finish the installation and start using your new smart thermostat.
Step 5: Complete Setup With the Nest App
You’ll need to log into your Google account when you first launch the Nest app on your Android or iPhone. If you already have a Google Home account, you’ll need to connect it to your nest. If you previously had a Google Nest account, you’ll need to migrate that account information to your app. After that final step, you’ll see the Nest home screen in the app. This will display your current temperature settings. This is also where you can tap on that thermostat and change any settings you like.
Start Using Your New Nest Thermostat!
There are a lot of settings to start playing with via the Nest app that are outside this article’s scope. However, there are a couple of things you should set right away.
First, if you have a combination heating and cooling system (a heater and air conditioner) hooked up to your thermostat, you’ll want to enable both heating and cooling. To do this:
Next, you should set up a heat and cool schedule to fully use the Nest thermostat’s efficiency.
Now the Nest thermostat will automatically adjust according to the schedule you’ve configured in this grid. No need to constantly lower the temperature when you go to bed and increase it in the morning!
Read Google’s Beginner Guide to the Nest to learn more about all the other available settings and other ways you can take full advantage of your newly installed Nest thermostat. You can also use various online smart home services to automate your Nest thermostat if you want.
