Nest has a handsome list of smart products on the market, but when it comes to smart thermostats, they are known for being one of the best.
Designed to adapt to your life, the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat make it easy to control the temperature in your house, saving you money and energy on heating and cooling costs.
But with the two options available, which one is best suited for your home?
In total, the Nest Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat are relatively similar. The main difference between them is that the Nest Learning Thermostat learns the user’s behavior to create an automatic heating and cooling schedule and is compatible with most HVAC systems, while the Nest Thermostat is not.
There are plenty of reasons to get a smart thermostat, but knowing which one will suit you best can be challenging.
Hopefully, this guide will lead you in the right direction. Read on to find out the key differences between these two smart thermostats, so you can decide which one is right for you.
Why Do You Need a Nest Thermostat?
The advantage of having a Nest thermostat is its ability to learn the patterns and behaviors in your home and adjust heating and cooling accordingly.
Though many standard thermostats are programmable, studies show that most users never actually program them.
According to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory survey, 89% of people with programmable thermostats rarely or never use the programming feature.
Most standard thermostats are considered complicated to program or difficult to understand, leaving the user to manually adjust the temperature throughout the day.
If you are one of the many who find themselves tinkering with the thermostat on and off every day, the convenience of a Nest thermostat alone could do wonders in your home.
What is Nest Thermostat?
The Nest Thermostat is a self-learning, smart thermostat that optimizes cooling and heating in your home.
It was developed by Nest Labs, now a division of Google, with the idea of providing convenience, conserving energy, and saving money on monthly heating and cooling costs.
How do Nest Thermostats Work?
Nest thermostats connect to your home’s HVAC system.
For the first few weeks, as you set and change the temperature in your home, the Nest Thermostat will gradually learn your routines and behaviors.
Your thermostat will then either automatically make adjustments or offer suggestions depending on the model that you have.
Is There a Monthly Fee for the Nest Thermostat?
Nest thermostats do not have a monthly fee or subscription service.
You only need to pay the cost of the device. They do require a WI-FI connection to work, so you will have to make sure you have an internet provider and router for the device to connect to.
Can I Replace My Standard Thermostat with a Nest Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat?
Though many are, not all heating and cooling systems are compatible with Nest thermostats. Google provides a compatibility checker on their website, as well as a walkthrough on how to check your HVAC system.
What is the Difference Between the Nest Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat?
While they are similar, there are a few differences to consider when deciding whether you should go with the Nest Thermostat or the Nest Learning Thermostat.
A few of the major differences between the two come down to design, features, price, and compatibility.
Design and Control Differences
Nest has maintained some consistency over time in terms of design between different models, but there are still a few differences worth pointing out between the Nest Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Nest Thermostat
The latest model of the Nest Thermostat has a simple design and is 3.3 inches in diameter.
It comes in four different colors: Sand, Fog, Charcoal, and Snow, and has a plastic edge made from recyclable materials and a mirrored face.
Unlike past models, the new Nest Thermostat has a touch-sensitive strip on the side of the unit that is used to navigate the interface.
To make adjustments in temperature, you just swipe up and down or tap the strip.
You can also monitor temperatures and create schedules using the Google Home app or use your favorite Google Home smart speaker or Amazon Alexa for voice control capability.
Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is also 3.3 inches in diameter and has a more traditional LCD screen.
It has a metal ring along the edge and comes in seven colors including, Black, White, Copper, Stainless Steel, Polished Steel, Brass, and Mirror Black.
As for control, the current Nest Learning Thermostat uses a traditional turn dial, similar to previous models.
Like the Nest Thermostat, the Nest Learning Thermostat can also be controlled using both the Home app and the Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart speaker.
You can use the voice assistants to adjust the temperature, access thermostat options, and power on/off your home heating and cooling system.
What are the Different Features of the Nest Thermostat vs. Nest Learning Thermostat?
While both of these smart thermostats are designed to optimize heating and cooling in your home, the learning functionality of the Nest Learning Thermostat is far more extensive than the other.
The Nest Thermostat works more like a traditional programmable thermostat, where you set schedules based on time of day or whether or not you’re home, and the thermostat adjusts accordingly.
The Nest Learning Thermostat, on the other hand, features learning functionality, in which it automatically learns your daily routines and adjusts the temperature for the best comfort and efficiency.
Other features the Nest Learning Thermostat has that the Nest Thermostat does not is the utilization of Farsight technology and compatibility with the Nest Temperature Sensor:
- Farsight automatically lights up the display and makes the text larger when it detects you in the room, so you can see the temperature when you’re further away.
- The Nest Temperature Sensor lets your Learning Thermostat know the temperature of individual rooms so each room can be the exact temperature you want it to be. You can add up to 6 sensors to your Nest Learning Thermostat so that you can control multiple rooms in your home.
These features are great for those who live in large houses or two-story homes where the temperature can fluctuate from room to room.
How Does the Price and Warranty Compare?
When it comes to price, the Nest Thermostat is less expensive than the Nest Learning Thermostat. The Learning Thermostat also has a longer warranty and extended warranty. The table below shows a brief summary of the price and warranty comparison for the two:
| Nest Thermostat | Nest Learning Thermostat | |
| Price | $129.99 on Amazon | $199.99 on Amazon |
| Warranty | Standard one-year warranty | Standard two-year warranty |
| Extended Pro Warranty | 2 years of additional coverage | 3 years of additional coverage |
Each product occasionally goes on sale, and Google often offers rebates on purchases, so you might be able to find one for a lower price if you look hard enough.
What’s the Cost of Accessories?
Your overall out-of-pocket cost might also change depending on the different accessories you buy.
For example, if your previous thermostat was larger than the Nest Thermostat, you may want to invest in a trim kit to cover up any unsightly holes in the wall, which can run about $15.
If you are looking to take advantage of the temperature sensor feature on the Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Temperature Sensors can run about $40 apiece, and up to 6 can be added to the device.
How do I get an Extended Pro Warranty?
In order to get an Extended Pro Warranty, you need to have your Nest thermostat installed using Google Nest Pro Installation Services (more on this below).
After installation, Nest Pro will activate your extended warranty coverage by entering their Pro ID into your thermostat during setup.
HVAC Compatibility Between the Nest Thermostat vs. Nest Learning Thermostat
Having any Nest Thermostat won’t do you any good if it won’t work with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system already in your home.
Google estimates that about 95% of HVAC systems are compatible with the Nest Learning Thermostat, while only 85% of HVAC systems are compatible with the Nest Thermostat. 85% is still a good number, but it’s a good idea to check your system with the compatibility checker to see how they compare.
Why Nest Thermostats are Superior
There are many smart thermostats on the market, but Nest really rises above the rest.
Some of the primary reasons why so many people choose Nest is its energy-saving benefits, the ability to control the temperature in your home while you’re away, and the alerts and updates that are sent straight to your phone.
Save Energy and Money
It is estimated that air conditioning and heating systems account for up to 46% of the energy consumption in your home.
Both the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat adjust your heating and cooling schedule as the seasons change, helping you save energy and money.
An analysis of customer’s energy use in southern California showed that customers saved an average of 11.3% of AC-related energy usage after switching to a Nest Thermostat.
Using a Nest Learning Thermostat showed savings equal to about 15% of AC-related energy usage. This equals out an estimated savings of $131 to $145 a year.
To encourage energy saving, Nest has implemented the Nest Leaf, which is an icon that appears on your thermostat to let you know when your thermostat is set at an energy-saving temperature.
These temperatures are typically between 62 and below for heating and 84 and above for cooling.
If you have the Nest Learning Thermostat, the leaf will appear based on pre-set temperatures, then adjust based on your personalized schedule.
Adjust Your Thermostat Remotely
Because Nest thermostats are connected to WIFI, you can adjust the temperature right from your phone.
Whether you will be home an hour late or gone for the weekend, you can make sure your house is at the temperature you prefer so you can be comfortable when you get home but not have to worry about wasted energy and money while you’re out.
Receive Safety Alert and Energy Reports
Nest provides daily data and monthly energy reports that you can view right from your phone.
If you’ve had your thermostat connected for two months or more, Nest will send you a month-to-month comparison.
This will give you an idea of when you are using the most energy, so you can make adjustments if needed.
Nest also sends alerts to your phone if something is wrong, such as a temperature drop or equipment malfunctioning.
On the top of your Home Report for the month, you will also find of summary of any alerts that happened.
You can connect your smoke and CO detectors, so your thermostat will react appropriately if an alarm goes off, like shutting down the fan and heating systems.
How Do I Install My Nest Thermostat?
You have the option of installing your Nest thermostat yourself or using the Pro installations services that Google provides.
How to Install a Nest Thermostat Yourself
In general, installing a Google Nest Thermostat is a fairly easy task. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes overall by following step-by-step instructions provided on the Nest app.
The first step for installation is to download the Nest app to your phone and gather any tools you will need. Some tools that are useful to have:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Power drill
- Flashlight
- Pliers or wire strippers
- Trim kit (optional)
Next, just follow the step-by-step instructions on the app. Google Help Center also provides guides for installing both the Nest Thermostat and the Nest Learning Thermostat if you need extra help.
How to Use Google Pro Installation Services
Google has partnered with Handy and OnTech to provide professional installation services for Nest products. These installation services include:
- Removal of the existing thermostat
- Installation of the new Nest thermostat
- Pairing to your compatible HVAC system
- Tests to ensure that the thermostat is installed correctly and functioning well
- A walkthrough on how the thermostat works and a demonstration on how to use the Nest app
When purchasing your Nest thermostat from the Google Store, you will have the option to add on installation services.
After your purchase is complete, you will be prompted to schedule your installation.
You can also schedule at a later time by signing into your account and going to the Order History Page.
Some appointments may be available as early as the day of purchase.
The price and how long the installation will take vary by product, but you can save time and money if you have multiple installations that need to be done in one visit.
How to Set Up Temperature Schedules on the Nest Thermostat
After installation, the Nest Thermostat will have a default schedule for Comfort, Eco, and Sleep.
You can access these schedules through the Google Home app and make any adjustments, or If you prefer, you can create your own schedules completely from scratch.
As for the Nest Learning Thermostat, it begins learning your routines on day one, so you can set your own heating and cooling schedules or have your thermostat auto-schedule for you.
Your thermostat will eventually make temperature adjustments based on the routines you have created, so it’s important to teach it good habits from the starts to help save money and energy.
What If My Nest Thermostat Breaks?
If your Nest Thermostat or Nest Learning Thermostat breaks, Google suggests buying an entirely new unit.
Before going out and buying a whole new thermostat, it’s a good idea to scroll through Google’s Help Center and try out any of the troubleshooting tips you think might help.
How to Choose the Right Nest Thermostat
When deciding between the Nest Thermostat and Nest Learning Thermostat, there are a few questions you might what to keep in mind:
- Do you need specific temperatures that vary by room?
- Do you live in a large or two-story home?
- Would you prefer automatic adjustments and learning capability?
- Do you want a frosted display?
- Are you concerned about HVAC compatibility?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’d probably want to go with the Nest Learning Thermostat. However, if these features are important to you, the Nest Thermostat is more than satisfactory.
Is Nest Worth It?
On top of being backed by Google, Nest thermostats are easy to install, boasting a sleek and modern design, have wide compatibility options, and energy-saving benefits. With learning capability and energy reduction suggestions, Google claims that switching to Nest will pay for itself in just two short years.
My Final Thoughts: Nest thermostat vs learning
Nest thermostats are designed for customers interested in saving energy, and you can’t really go wrong with choosing either design.
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly and still packed with features, the Nest Thermostat is the way to go.
If price isn’t a factor, however, and you’d like more control with luxury machine learning, the Nest Learning Thermostat might be the one for you.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, but we hope this guide gave you a deeper look into each product and made making that decision a bit easier.