Last Updated on September 12, 2022
Contents
- 1 Learn How Does Google Nest Thermostat Save Money
- 2 What Is the Google Nest Thermostat?
- 3 Traditional Thermostats vs. Google Nest Thermostat
- 4 What Should You Know About the Nest Temperature Sensor?
- 5 How to Install the Nest Thermostat and the Sensors?
- 6 How Does Google Nest Thermostat Save Money?
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Learn How Does Google Nest Thermostat Save Money
Electricity doesn’t come cheap. In fact, we seem to pay more on these bills. Gas has become more expensive, and it has dragged other costs along with it. If saving money on gas or groceries is not an option, how about electricity? You can save money by using a smart thermostat with its app.
If you start looking for solutions in this niche, you’ll soon come across the Google Nest Thermostat. How does this smart device work? How does it save money? Learn all about it right now and get ready to turn your house into a smart and cost-effective home.
What Is the Google Nest Thermostat?
The Nest Thermostat is a smart thermostat created by Nest Labs. Smart home devices are not a novelty. They have been around for some time, but their popularity has increased recently. Smart devices for homes like the Nest Thermostat aim to optimize your home. Most smart devices work on two fronts:
- Optimizing comfort
- Optimizing costs
Often, these devices manage to do both, and the Nest Thermostat fits into this category. A simple example of smart home devices and applications is sensor light systems. Many of these systems can now be controlled by voice or sound patterns. You no longer have to switch the lights on or off.
By using an application and your voice, you can easily do it remotely. The lights will turn on and off where and when you want. You can also control them through gestures, such as clapping your hands.
Many smart home appliances are compatible with this type of operating system nowadays. For example, there are vacuum cleaners that clean the house by themselves. You just press the button, and the robot will do the cleaning without your intervention.
More so, you can program the robot to start cleaning your house from the app. By the time you get home, the work will be done. This is how the Nest Thermostat works too.
A thermostat is a small device you usually install on the wall to control the temperature of your central home heating system. You also use thermostats to control the air conditioning system in summer.
The Google Nest Thermostat is a smart thermostat. It allows users to control both their heating and cooling system. The purpose of this device is to help save energy and money. What it promises to deliver is optimized electricity consumption. In other words, with this device, you will only use the energy that is really necessary to warm up or cool your home.
The Nest Learning version of this thermostat is an AI-powered technology. It leverages artificial intelligence algorithms while fetching data about the environment’s temperature. Thanks to AI, the device can determine the best temperature. Then, it makes the system configurations accordingly. It eliminates the guesswork.

Traditional Thermostats vs. Google Nest Thermostat
Traditional thermostats are also good. They help you quickly set the heating system at the desired temperature. Many have smart functions these days. One of them is allowing you to customize temperature levels. This means setting different temperatures for different parts of the home. It can help when trying to save money.
The Google Nest thermostat can do all these and more. What’s great about it is that the device ‘thinks’ for itself. With traditional thermostats, you have to ponder and make a decision. The thermostat is not capable of pinpointing the best room temperature. Neither can it help you optimize it to cut down energy costs.
Traditional thermostats operate based on your judgment. The Nest Thermostat relies on artificial intelligence. It does all the thinking and calibration for you. Once you set up the device, it can work with minimum human intervention. Of course, if you are not satisfied with the temperature level, you are free to adjust it.
The bottom line is that these smart systems save both time and money. They do involve an initial investment, but in the long run, it is worth using them. They will balance comfort with moderate energy-related spending. At the moment of writing this article, the thermostat’s price starts at $129.99.
We mentioned before that smart home devices usually rely on an app. This is also the case with the Nest Thermostat. This device’s application works via the Google Home app. Hence, the association between the two names. You can download the app and use it both on Android and iOS mobiles. This thermostat also works in conjunction with the Nest Temperature Sensor.
Here are some of the main differences between traditional and Google Nest Thermostats:
Traditional Thermostats | Google Nest Thermostats |
Need to be configured manually. | Can be configured from an app, remotely. |
Only work based on your input. | Use AI to operate. |
Can’t learn or adapt to your preferences. | Have sensors for different rooms. |
May be more affordable. | Are usually more expensive. |
What Should You Know About the Nest Temperature Sensor?
Let’s start with the looks. The Nest Temperature Sensor is a small round home device. It is sleek and minimalistic. It can be purchased separately. Worry not, it will not ruin the aesthetic of your home as it doesn’t stand out. You can install it anywhere. It will help you configure your thermostat for increased comfort.
Keep in mind that this thermostat sensor is not required and you can use the Nest Thermostat without the auxiliary sensor. There are different situations when having the sensor will help. Here are a few examples:
- Large homes with many rooms
- Multi-story houses
- Houses where more people leave
The purpose of the Nest Temperature Sensor is to tackle these differences, but, remember it is not a must. If you live in a studio or small apartment, you might not need it. If you keep the doors open, the thermostat levels the temperatures. You will feel comfortable anywhere, especially in a small place.
The bottom line is you should invest in this extra if you’ve got a lot of space and you live with more people. Another thing to remember is how the sensor works. You cannot use it without the thermostat.
The sensor is an auxiliary device of the Nest Thermostat, not the other way round. As part of the system’s configuration, a house can host up to 6 sensors with each compatible thermostat. The sensor will transmit data to the thermostat at the same time, but the thermostat will only take commands from one sensor at a time.
It will depend on your settings. If you spend time in the living room, the thermostat will focus on that sensor as per your request. Once you move to a different room, adjust the settings. The thermostat will change the temperature based on that room’s sensor. Don’t worry, all this means only a few clicks in the app.
Also, you can set the sensors to work based on a schedule. For example, you can configure the exact time when you want each sensor to take over. It will then start communicating with the Nest Thermostat and adjust the temperature. For example, set the bedroom sensor to start operating after 9 PM when you go to sleep.
The sensors can fetch data from any part of the home and transmit it to the smart thermostat. Then, the thermostat can make temperature adjustments based on this data and your preferences. If you only use the smart thermostat in one room, the system will automatically focus on that space.
As a result, you might feel a different comfort level in other parts of your home. This is especially true if you live in a big house. Some factors that determine temperature changes include
- Different room exposure to sunlight
- Enclosed spaces
- Shade in front of the windows
How to Install the Nest Thermostat and the Sensors?
The Nest sensors are only compatible with the Nest thermostat. This system comes with a robust set of instructions. All you need to do is follow the installation steps. It is not very difficult to do it yourself.
There are also lots of tutorials and resources you can find online. Just google whatever installation question you have. Installing the app is also necessary to be able to operate the smart thermostat. Google offers a comprehensive support page with many helpful topics.
You might not want to lose precious time or might not feel up to this task. There is another solution you can opt for. Use the Nest Pro installation service. A team of professionals will handle all the installation steps for you for an additional fee. This way, you will get everything done faster.
You can also take advantage and ask them more about the device’s features and benefits. The team will choose the most appropriate place for the thermostat’s installation and take care of connecting the thermostat to your mobile or other Nest devices.

How Does Google Nest Thermostat Save Money?
Does the Nest Thermostat save money? The answer to this question is yes, and you can save money if you use the Google Nest Thermostat for your home. How does it save you money?
The thermostat builds an energy-saving schedule via its AI capabilities. It gathers info about your
- Environment
- Heating and cooling system
- Temperature preferences
It then compiles all this data to give you custom energy-saving recommendations.
The thermostat itself is a sleek, hi-tech, round device you mount on the wall. The device prevents you from wasting energy while away from home. Select and adjust your temperature preferences on the mobile app with a single click. You can do this for any room in the house.
Set different temperatures for different rooms and different parts of the day. For example, set lower temperatures at night. They promote better sleep and can help you save money on energy bills. You can easily select the hour for each temperature setting if you’d like.
The thermostat works as an energy adviser. Its purpose is to find ways to save energy based on your specific environment. An example is sleep temperatures. The app will send a suggestion recommending you lower the temperature at night. It will memorize information on your preferences for the heating and air conditioning system.
You will get all sorts of app notifications. For example, you’ll know when the AC needs a filter change. System maintenance is essential, and it helps save money too. If heating system checkups or repairs are necessary, the app notifies you.
It also helps you find professionals for this job. You get notifications if the temperatures are not appropriate, and the app will warn you that there is a risk of temperature-related damage.
All in all, the Nest Thermostat is a user-friendly device that helps cut down energy costs. If you’re wondering why you can’t save money, high energy bills might be the problem. Devices like this thermostat can support your savings goals. They might even help you fix your credit fast by freeing up money to pay back any debt you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much money can I save with the Nest thermostat?
According to the Google Nest Help center, the thermostat helps save:
- Approximately 10-12% on heating bills
- Approximately 15% on cooling bills
Here is a simulation based on these savings opportunities and an average monthly electricity bill of $115.
Electricity bill cost | $115 | ||
Money saved on heating bills per month (10%) | $11.50 | Amount saved in three months | $34.50 |
Money saved on cooling bills per month (15%) | $17.25 | Amount saved in three months | $51.75 |
If you use the device for 6 months to help with your air conditioner, it will save you $103.50. That is almost equal to the amount you paid for the device itself.
How can I save money on electricity bills?
Besides using a smart thermostat, you can also try to reduce your consumption. Strive to waste less energy. Keep appliances unplugged and turn the TV off when you’re not watching. Use energy-efficient bulbs. Also, budget every month. Here are three popular budgeting and money-saving strategies that can help you
Can I install the Nest thermostat on my own?
Yes, you can do this. You will find all the steps in the device’s instructions, but you need to be a bit handy to do it. Another solution is to use the Nest Thermostat professional installation service.
How can I reach out to the Nest pro installation service?
Contact the team via the Google Nest Help center. They usually operate during regular business hours. You will have to schedule an appointment for the installation process. You might also be able to do this on weekends.
What does the Nest thermostat look like?
This is a minimalistic round device that only measures a few inches in diameter. You can easily install it on any wall. It is nice looking and non-intrusive. It comes in different colors so that you can adapt it to your décor.
Is the Nest thermostat hard to use?
No, all you have to do is connect it to the app. Make sure your WiFi is turned on. The application is very intuitive. You also have a plethora of support resources on Google. Plus, the app is available in multiple languages.
Sources:
Short-term energy outlook: Summer 2022 Electricity Industry Outlook. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2022, from https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/special/summer/2022_summer_electricity.pdf
Energy star smart thermostats. ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.energystar.gov/products/smart_thermostats
Google. (n.d.). Learn about the nest temperature sensor. Google Nest Help. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9248154?hl=en
Abigail, Juliet, Gabbie, & Go, N. (2020, February 19). Nest Thermostats: A comprehensive guide. Robots.net. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://robots.net/tech-reviews/nest-thermostats/
Google. (n.d.). How the nest thermostat savings calculator works. Google Nest Help. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9241995?hl=en
Kevin, A. M. (2019, November 4). Different types of thermostat – which thermostat do you need? Best Digital Thermostat Reviews and Buying Guide. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://thermostatguide.com/different-types-thermostats/
Charlton, A. (2022, March 21). Should I buy the Google Nest Thermostat? TechRadar. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://www.techradar.com/news/should-i-buy-the-google-nest-thermostat
Google. (n.d.). Nest Learning Thermostat. Google Store. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://store.google.com/us/product/nest_learning_thermostat_3rd_gen?hl=en-US
Standalone thermostats. siemens.com Global Website. (n.d.). Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://new.siemens.com/global/en/products/buildings/hvac/room-thermostats/standalone-thermostats.html
Pressler, M. (2022, May 22). Electricity rates are climbing in 2022. Quick Electricity. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://quickelectricity.com/rising-electricity-rates-2022/
Western Governors University. (2020, March 31). What is AI technology and how is it used? Western Governors University. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-ai-technology-how-used2003.html