The third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat takes a thoughtful approach to temperature control by learning your family’s habits from the adjustments you make in the first few days of use. Nest’s smart thermostat will also keep you posted when temperatures in your home reach dangerous levels—for example, if your home gets cold enough that you’re at risk for burst pipes.
You may see some significant energy savings with Nest. The Learning Thermostat saves energy by using a sensor and your phone’s location to detect when nobody’s home and setting itself to an “Eco Temperature”—40°F to 70°F for its heating mode, and 76°F to 90°F for its cooling mode. Plus, an independent study saw users save an average of 10% to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling costs.
Features and flaws
With Nest’s Farsight feature, your Nest thermostat uses a motion sensor to light up when you’re nearby. It also displays the temperature, weather, and time.
Nest also offers remote temperature sensors, sold separately. These sensors work with the main thermostat and let you keep track of and control the temperature in specific rooms. If your living room houses your prized plant collection and you want to make sure it doesn’t get too cold, you can use a temperature sensor to make sure it stays at a balmy 75 degrees.
Still, Nest products tend to be on the expensive side, especially when you start adding temperature sensors. If you’re not willing to shell out as much cash, we recommend the Nest Thermostat E. At only $169.99, it has most of the same features as the more expensive model, but it’s compatible with fewer existing systems and doesn’t have the Farsight feature. It’s also made of plastic, but it still manages to maintain the modern Nest aesthetic.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: The Nest Learning Thermostat is a great all-around smart thermostat with good looks and thoughtful features. It would make a great fit for any home.
>>Get the Nest Learning Thermostat.