The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) has emerged as a significant leap forward, refining the features of its predecessors, including the earlier “Learning” model and the 2020 Nest Thermostat. This new iteration boasts a refreshed aesthetic, seamless integration with the Google Home app, and includes the Nest Temperature Sensor right in the box. It’s packed with functionalities and intelligent features designed to optimize your home climate control, potentially beyond what many users might initially expect.
After spending two months thoroughly testing the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen), I’ve had ample time to explore its capabilities. Unlike typical gadgets that undergo rapid assessments focusing on battery life or performance metrics, a thermostat demands a different approach. It’s a fixture in your home, operating discreetly to maintain comfort, ideally requiring minimal interaction once properly set up.
My experience involved adjusting settings, integrating the temperature sensor, and using the satisfyingly rotatable dial for manual temperature adjustments. I observed its learning capabilities as it crafted schedules, occasionally tweaking them, and even glanced at the energy dashboard out of curiosity. In essence, I lived with it as intended.
So, after two months of daily use, what’s the verdict on this $280 premium smart thermostat? Let’s delve into the details in this comprehensive review of the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen).
What We Love About the Nest Thermostat 4th Gen
Effortless Setup: Staying true to Nest’s reputation, setting up the 4th Gen model is remarkably user-friendly. While handling your HVAC system might seem daunting to some, Google and Nest provide comprehensive instructions, both in written and video formats, complemented by the Google Home app’s guidance. My personal experience installing this unit was straightforward, echoing previous Nest thermostat installations I’ve done. Even without prior experience, the process is designed to be manageable for most homeowners.
The package includes the thermostat faceplate in your chosen color (options include Polished Silver, Obsidian, or Gold—I reviewed the Polished Gold), the new Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen), a base plate for wiring, a metal plate for specific setups, a trim plate for aesthetic preference, and all necessary screws. The completeness of the kit simplifies what could be an intimidating task.
However, a recent HVAC system upgrade in my home to a 2-stage system highlighted a new consideration. My previous Nest Thermostat E was not compatible with multi-stage systems. While the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) installed easily, professional adjustments to my HVAC system were needed to ensure proper interaction. Unlike the Nest Thermostat (2020) and Nest Thermostat E, which support only single-stage heating, this new model accommodates up to 3 stages. This enhanced compatibility likely contributes to its premium pricing.
Stunning Design Elevates Home Aesthetics: Smart home technology isn’t always synonymous with attractive design, but the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) breaks this mold. It serves not just as a functional device but as an elegant home accent. The Polished Gold version I tested is particularly striking on the wall.
The design upgrade is significant, featuring a large, domed crystal display—60% larger than previous models—and minimized bezels. It resembles a piece of jewelry, especially when installed without the trim plate. The reflective glass dome creates an intriguing visual depth that captures attention. Earlier Nest thermostats had more pronounced edges, whereas this model subtly integrates the bezel into the domed glass for a seamless, rounded appearance. Its beauty might almost discourage interaction, yet its tactile interface is inviting.
The thermostat features a rotating mechanism for navigating settings and adjusting temperatures, along with a push-button action for selections. This interaction model will be familiar to Nest users, but the 4th Gen feels more refined and responsive.
Informative Farsight Display and Digital Clocks: Nest introduces “Farsight,” a feature reminiscent of a customizable always-on display on smartphones. Unlike earlier Nest models that only displayed the current temperature when approached, the 4th Gen can show the time through various clock faces, current weather, humidity levels, “feels like” temperature, outdoor air quality, and the date.
This enhanced display offers more at-a-glance information, providing daily insights directly from your thermostat. While smartphones offer similar data, the convenience of having this information readily available on your thermostat is surprisingly useful, making you wonder how you lived without it.
Included Nest Temperature Sensor Enhances Comfort: The inclusion of the Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd Gen) is a standout feature. While its cost is likely factored into the $280 price, its value is undeniable, and it’s something I would recommend purchasing separately anyway.
Previously, I used Nest Temperature Sensors with older Nest Thermostats in my two-story home to manage temperature variations between floors. By placing the sensor upstairs, the thermostat could adjust heating or cooling based on the sensor’s reading, not just the thermostat’s location. This is particularly beneficial in homes without zoned HVAC systems, allowing for more targeted temperature management.
The sensor’s utility extends to addressing hot or cold spots within a home. Moving the sensor to different rooms allows the thermostat to optimize temperatures for that specific area, enhancing comfort where it matters most. Schedules can also be configured to prioritize the sensor, the thermostat, or both for maintaining optimal comfort levels. The inclusion of the sensor with the 4th Gen model eliminates the need for a separate purchase, adding significant value.
Improved Google Home App Integration: Having used the older Nest Thermostat E, primarily compatible with the original Nest app, the integration with the Google Home app in the 4th Gen is a welcome change. The older model always felt somewhat disconnected within the Google ecosystem, leading me to stick with the legacy Nest app longer than necessary.
The Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) is exclusively designed for the Google Home app, which I found to be largely positive. Setup is straightforward, and managing settings and adjustments is intuitive once the thermostat begins its “smart learning” process. The app presents information clearly with a user-friendly layout, featuring a prominent temperature dial and quick access to heating/cooling modes, sensor data, fan settings, schedules, and energy usage dashboards. It also displays indoor humidity levels.
Navigating through the app reveals deeper options and information. Reviewing and adjusting automatically generated schedules is significantly improved compared to the old Nest app, which was often cumbersome. The Google Home app offers a much smoother scheduling experience.
Further customization options, such as Farsight settings, device sharing, air filter reminders, temperature preferences, and home/away assist using phone location, are easily accessible within the app settings. While I initially had reservations about fully adopting the Google Home app, my experience has been positive, especially with the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen).
Advanced Smart Features and Learning Capabilities: As a “Learning” thermostat, expectations for intelligence are high. Google emphasizes that the 4th Gen model is smarter, leveraging AI to refine schedule learning and enhance energy efficiency. The promise is a more eco-friendly and cost-effective home climate management.
Assessing these smart capabilities fully in a short review period is challenging. Even after two months, the full extent of its learning and efficiency gains remains to be seen. However, the underlying concepts and features are promising.
Features like Natural Heating and Cooling utilize external temperature data to potentially reduce HVAC usage by leveraging natural heating or cooling. Window reminders suggest opening windows when outdoor conditions are favorable, further minimizing energy consumption—particularly useful during milder seasons.
Adaptive modes adjust temperatures automatically based on presence detection, optimizing for efficiency when you’re away and comfort upon your return. Humidity modulation and detailed energy dashboards provide insights into usage patterns, helping you understand and manage your energy consumption.
Notably, I found myself making fewer manual adjustments with the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) compared to previous models. It seems adept at learning temperature preferences and maintaining comfortable conditions throughout the day. For someone working from home, consistent comfort is a significant advantage.
While a definitive verdict on the long-term “smartness” requires more time, the initial signs are positive. The reduced need for manual adjustments suggests improved learning and adaptation capabilities.
Things to Consider
While the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) excels in many areas, there are a few points to consider. The $280 price tag is a significant investment for a thermostat. However, this cost is somewhat justified by the premium design, comprehensive smart features (without subscription fees), and the included temperature sensor, which is a valuable addition to the Nest ecosystem.
Initially, navigating the Google Home app to link the temperature sensor to specific schedules and locate certain settings required some exploration. The app, while improved, isn’t entirely intuitive at first. However, with some use, the layout becomes more familiar, and Google provides helpful links to Nest support pages within the app for detailed guidance on features and settings.
Setup was generally smooth, and compatibility with a modern HVAC system was seamless. Google also proactively addresses issues, as demonstrated by a post-launch software update to enhance screen brightness and allow manual adjustments, showing commitment to ongoing improvements.
For those considering upgrading from an older Nest model, the decision isn’t straightforward. Older models like the Nest Thermostat E remain functional. Thermostats aren’t typically devices that require frequent upgrades. Their longevity means they can remain in service for years. My personal upgrade to the 4th Gen was prompted by an HVAC system change. For others, the primary reasons to upgrade would be the enhanced smart features, the sophisticated design, or a desire to future-proof their smart home setup, especially if using a very old thermostat.
Interestingly, a recent interaction with an HVAC technician highlighted an unexpected benefit of Nest thermostats. The technician mentioned that installing Nest thermostats is a common practice when selling homes, as they create an impression of modernity and updated HVAC systems, even if the underlying system is older. This “curb appeal” for smart home tech is something to consider in the real estate context.
Overall, the Nest Thermostat (4th Gen) offers a familiar yet enhanced experience for long-time Nest users. It retains the intuitive twist-to-adjust controls, companion app access, and focus on energy efficiency, while advancing in design and smart capabilities. Reflecting on my initial Nest Thermostat review in 2013, where I called it “my favorite Android accessory,” the 4th Gen has evolved into an indispensable smart home device.
Should You Buy the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)?
The smart thermostat market is competitive, with players like Honeywell, Ecobee, and Amazon. Nest has consistently been a frontrunner, known for smart, design-centric thermostats. The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) continues this legacy.
It boasts the most aesthetically pleasing design in the smart thermostat category. Its elegance is undeniable. Beyond aesthetics, it combines ease of setup and use with intelligent features that enhance home energy efficiency. It offers intuitive schedule management, potential system issue detection, and a now-user-friendly Google Home app integration.
While the $280 price point is considerable, the inclusion of the temperature sensor and the overall package of design and smart functionality make it a compelling option. If you’re seeking a premium, intelligent, and visually stunning smart thermostat, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is an excellent choice.
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