Google’s Nest Thermostat has become a home heating and cooling staple that more than 11 million US households use.
However, did you know that this smart device can also help your home maintain a healthy humidity level?
Nest thermostats detect humidity by using the Cool to Dry option. The technology works using the home’s air conditioner or heat pump to remove moisture and maintain a healthy living environment. Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat E are the only devices that support this function.
The rest of this article will explain the details of how Nest deals with humidity.
Additionally, a detailed guide and analysis on how this option can be used and whether it’s effective will be provided. If that;s interesting to you, definitely stick around!
How Nest Thermostat Detects Humidity
Using built-in moisture and humidity sensors, the Nest models listed above are capable of cycling your air conditioning and heating systems on and off when an increase in humidity is detected.
Here’s how Nest does it.
If the device detects that you’re home, the Cool to Dry function will automatically start the air conditioner when the Nest thermostat detects humidity levels over 70%.
In case no presence in your home is detected, and the thermostat is set to Eco Temperatures for three or more days, the humidity reduction will start once Nest detects humidity levels over 65%.
Nest thermostat’s Cool to Dry can’t always help with humidity in your home.
The feature will only reduce your set temperature by a few degrees before shutting down, regardless of humidity.
In addition, the humidity detection and reduction mode can’t cool your house below 80°F (26.6°C) when you’re home, or below 75°F (24°C) when you’re away.
How Nest Thermostat Controls Humidity
As explained above, using the Cool to Dry technology, Google Nest can help your air conditioners or heat pump reduce humidity.
The purpose of this technology is to prevent mold buildup and create a healthier home for your family.
Even though it might seem non-essential, the Cool to Dry feature is especially useful in humid climates.
Another thing that’s already been mentioned is that humidity control only comes with the Nest thermostat models that support full HVAC control.
In the current product range, the list only includes Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E.
It should be kept in mind that the Cool to Dry option is only available for air conditioners and heat pumps.
Homes equipped with a standalone humidifier or dehumidifier won’t see this option displayed on their Nest thermostat.
Nest Thermostat and Heating/Cooling Systems With a Dehumidifier
Nest’s humidity control option can be used with any air conditioner or heat pump.
However, the feature is most effective and useful if your home’s heating and cooling system have a built-in dehumidification mode.
During standard cooling operation, all air conditioners reduce humidity in the air.
As these devices cool the air by transferring it over refrigerated coils, some of the moisture from the air is bound to condense into water.
With the help of your favorite smart thermostat, air conditioners that come with a dehumidification mode become even more effective.
The Nest thermostat informs the AC device to slow down the fan speed and keep the room temperature from dropping too low.
Nest thermostat users with an AC system with a dehumidification option can set an approximate humidity level for their home using the thermostat or the Nest app.
Still, the Cool to Dry feature will only work within your pre-set temperature parameters.
It won’t drop the temperature more than 3°F (1.5°C) when you’re home, or 5°F (2.7°C) when you’re away.
Nest Thermostat and Heating/Cooling Systems Without a Dehumidifier
On the other hand, air conditioners that don’t have a dehumidification option lack the option of slowing down their fans.
Even though they can still dehumidify the air to an extent, dehumidification option-free air conditioners aren’t recommended to use for this purpose with any smart thermostat in regular climates.
Using Google Nest’s Cool to Dry feature can get really expensive with this type of AC device.
It can only be recommended in very humid climates where the air conditioner is already constantly in use as a dehumidifier.
The Nest thermostat can save you money in this case, as it’ll cycle your cooling system on or off when it detects an increase in humidity.
How To Set Humidity Level With Nest Thermostat
As I already explained, you can only set an approximate humidity level with your Nest thermostat.
What’s the reason behind this?
We all know that the main purpose of the Nest thermostat is to learn our habits and follow our schedule to adjust our homes’ temperature.
In order to keep the temperature steady, the Nest thermostat won’t prioritize dehumidification over cooling or heating.
Instead, the device will only drop or increase the temperature by a few degrees, which sometimes won’t be enough to dehumidify the room to an optimal level.
Despite all this, Cool to Dry remains a useful feature, especially in environments and climates that don’t have a massive issue with humidity.
Read on to find out how you can activate and set Nest humidity detection and control.
Set Humidity Level Using the Nest Thermostat
Follow the steps below to choose dehumidification preferences from your Nest thermostat:
- Press the ring to access the Quick View.
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select Equipment > Continue > Continue.
- Click Dehumidifier > Set Humidity.
- Choose your preferred (approximate) humidity level.
Set Humidity Level Using the Nest App
To set the humidity level for your home using a phone, follow these steps:
- Select the thermostat you want to control from the home screen.
- Click the Settings option.
- Go to Equipment > Dehumidifier.
- Choose your preferred (approximate) humidity level using the slider.
When using the app, you can always turn humidity control on and off by tapping the switch in the upper right of your screen.
Conclusion
Using built-in sensors, some Nest devices are able to detect humidity.
With the help of the home’s heating and cooling system, the humidity levels can be controlled.
What does this mean for an average Nest user?
The Google Nest Thermostat is known as an excellent smart solution for heating and cooling our homes.
However, it can also be a great way to keep our living environments healthy.
Those living in less humid climates can benefit from its dehumidification abilities.
Those in humid climates, on the other hand, would be much better off investing in a separate dehumidifier.