How to Install Nest Thermostat (7 Easy Steps)

If you’re tired of manually adjusting the temperature in your home, you might consider investing in Nest thermostats. These thermostats are manufactured by Google and allow you remotely control the temperature in your home using your smartphone or even a smart speaker. Learning how to install Nest thermostat can be the easiest thing to do with the right guide.

This article breaks down the steps to installing Nest thermostat in your home. With time and patience, you’ll have your Nest thermostat set up in your home.

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Can You Install a Nest Thermostat?

This depends on your preference. Some people find the idea of installing smart devices intimidating. This is because the many steps and wiring could be complicated. However, the Nest thermostat is relatively easy, and you can easily set up the device in your home. The best part is that you don’t need technical experience to set up the thermostat. This article will help you with all the steps you need to follow when installing a Nest thermostat in your home.

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Nest Thermostat

There are crucial factors you need to consider before you start installing a Nest thermostat. These factors will ensure the installation process goes smoothly.

What Type of Nest Thermostat Are You Installing?

Before we begin the installation process, you first have to know the type of Nest thermostat you have in your home. This refers to the specific model you purchased. Different models are available, like the Nest Learning Thermostat and the 2020 Nest thermostat. The process of installing both thermostats is similar, with very few differences.

Check Furnace Compatibility

One of the things you’ll need to confirm before you make a purchase is the furnace compatibility of the thermostat. Luckily you can confirm this feature before you purchase the Nest thermostat. It would be quite disappointing to purchase a thermostat that doesn’t fit in with your furnace. One way to confirm is by checking your present thermostat’s wiring and searching on the Nest website for a similar thermostat.

Look for the C-Wire

Most times, the C-wire is an essential part of installing your Nest thermostat. This wire is crucial to power the thermostat effectively. One of the wires runs directly from the furnace to the thermostat. It’s easy to find this wire; all you have to do is peek behind the cover to find out what you have. If your furnace doesn’t have a c-wire, it might work with the Nest Learning thermostat but not the new Nest thermostats.

How to Remove Your Old Thermostat

If you have an old thermostat, you’ll also need to learn how to remove the previous one before installing the Nest thermostat. Below are the steps you should follow to safely remove the old thermostat.

First, turn off the power to the thermostat and the cooling and heating system.
Afterward, remove the old thermostat; begin with the faceplate.
After removing the faceplate, you’ll see the thermostat wiring, disconnect the wires from the baseplate and then remove the baseplate by unscrewing.

That’s it; you can set your old thermostat aside and proceed with the steps below to install Nest thermostat.

How to Install Nest Thermostat

The process is relatively simple; you must get through the installation, programming, and learning phase. On that note, let’s get started.

The first thing you want to do when learning to install Nest thermostat is downloading the app. The best part about this Nest app is that it will guide you through the process with helpful photos and videos.
Next, turn off the HVAC’s power source. This is important for your safety even though most furnace systems are low voltage.
Now, it’s time to wire up the new Nest thermostat. First, ensure you connect the wires to the thermostat’s base following the diagram made available on the Nest app.
You can then attach the Nest faceplate, and the magic will begin once you clip it on.
Restore power to the HVAC system, and the Nest thermostat will power on its own. Sometimes, you’d have to charge it up for a while.
Once the faceplate is operational, the app will guide you through the rest of the process. Most choices are regarding your preferences and the thermostat’s general settings.
The final step you would have to take is programming the thermostat into the app. If you choose the Nest Learning Thermostat, the thermostat will begin its learning phase, which could take a couple of weeks to complete.

That’s all you need to do to easily install a Nest thermostat in your home. Although it might take an hour to complete, the process is relatively straightforward.

How to Install Nest Thermostat Without a C-Wire

Although we mentioned that a c-wire is a crucial part of the installation process, you can still install the thermostat if your HVAC system lacks a C-wire. Google comes with a c-wire adaptor that you can purchase alongside the Nest Thermostat. Once you have the c-wire adaptor, you can connect your Nest thermostat without installing a new c-wire.

Note that this adaptor only works with 24VAC systems. Additionally, it’s only compatible with third-generation Nest thermostat products. Follow the simple steps below if you’re wondering how to install Nest thermostat without a c-wire.

First, cut power to the HVAC system for your safety.
Next, remove the faceplate of your Nest Thermostat to expose the wiring terminals beneath.
The next step is to connect the c-wire adapter to your furnace air handle. You could also choose to connect it to the zone controller. The adapter kit usually features a straightforward manual on how to connect it.
Once you set the adapter up, connect the remaining wires to the proper terminals and replace the thermostat’s faceplate.
Afterward, turn the power on to your HVAC system; your Next thermostat should boot without any issue.

Recommended Nest Thermostat:

Google Nest Thermostat
Ecobee Smart Thermostat ((With Siri & Alexa and Built in Air Quality Monitor)

Final Thoughts

Setting up a Nest Thermostat is relatively easy. It is also simple to set up the app once you answer a series of questions that helps it tailor your experience. You can customize all your settings, including the heating and cooling settings. If you have a cabin, office space, or cottage, a Next thermostat can come in handy. Once you learn how to install Next thermostat, you can start controlling the thermostat from your smartphone to control energy use.