Google’s Nest division on Monday announced its newest product, the Nest Thermostat. Priced just $129.99, it gives consumers a simple, yet smart thermostat — one that learns and offers up suggestions to save energy and money.
The Nest Thermostat forgoes the familiar turning dial in favor of a touch sensitive strip on the right side of the panel. Other than that, it resembles other Nest products and looks right at home in any environment. Removing the moving pieces allows for Google and Nest to lower the price of the thermostat.
The Nest Thermostat is offered in four colors (Sand, Snow, Charcoal, and Fog) and can be pre-ordered immediately. Shipping is expected within a weeks. An optional color-matched trim kit can be purchased for $14.99 which makes it easy to cover any holes left from the previous thermostat.
While Google will continue to offer its Nest Thermostat E, that model will be made available through professional installers.
The setup process is much easier for the new Nest Thermostat, walking users through an app that asks for preferred temperature settings and waking and sleep times. While it doesn’t have the full learning experience that comes with its pricier model, the new one will occasionally offer up “Savings Finder” suggestions for saving energy and money.
The Nest Thermostat may, for instance, suggestion that you let the temperature drop an extra couple of degrees at bedtime to save money over time.
Additionally, the thermostat will monitor things such as air filters and HVAC efficiency. Perhaps you ought to be replacing the air filter earlier than the suggested 90 days; the device will keep track of how much air has been passed through the filter.
Another feature, which will come to other Nest thermostats, is monitoring efficiency of your HVAC system. Does it take longer to lower the temperature than it used to? Maybe it’s time for a tune-up. The Nest will make recommendations and even provide certified recommended installers and professionals.
Learn more about the Nest Thermostat at Google’s blog, The Keyword. Pre-order yours through the Google Store for $129.99.