How easy is it to install a Nest Thermostat (3rd Generation)? See our photo walkthrough!

• Everything you need to install your Nest Thermostat is included in the box

• It’s important to check compatibility with wiring before attempting to install

• Once installed Nest Thermostat will warn you if you didn’t wire it correctly

If your search for a smart thermostat has led you to the Nest Learning Thermostat you’ve probably wondered how difficult can it be to install?

The answer? Not very.

Having already installed programmable thermostats in the past, installing a Nest thermostat is basically just as easy. The only difference is that you would need to also install the Nest app on your phone or tablet.

…it is a good idea to check out Nest’s compatibility tool

Before you attempt the install, it is a good idea to check out Nest’s compatibility tool. I did just that and discovered that my first choice–the Nest E–would not be compatible with my HVAC system.

Good to know!

Installation was pretty simple…

As you would expect from a product made by Google, the box was enticing!

After unwrapping it like a kid at Christmas, I was immediately struck by just how glossy and luxurious the thermostat looks. The quality is exceptionally high…especially for just a home thermostat!

Underneath, I found everything I needed to install the thermostat. It reminded me of the many Ring doorbell and camera products I have installed. The included screwdriver even had a reversible bit so you could switch from unscrewing wires to mounting the base plates.

Before you remove the wiring on your existing thermostat, it’s important to take note of which colored wire goes to which labeled slot. It’s a good idea to take a photo of the existing wiring too. Just like this…

I almost got this wrong. Note that the labeling is different for “Heat Pumps” versus “Heat / Cool” so make sure you take note of the correct label.

Before you remove each wire, you can use included sticky labels provided with your Nest Learning Thermostat. Be sure to also pull your wiring out a little bit before you disconnect, so you don’t have to fish them out again from behind your drywall!

What’s neat about the Nest thermostat that it comes with an optional, extended cover to help hide any scratches or holes left by your previous thermostat. The base plate also includes a built-in level to help you install it straight. How cool is that?

Also, you’ll notice that you don’t need to screw in any retainers for the wires. Simply push in each wire and it will snap into place and be held there.

What really impressed me was that it ran a diagnostic automatically to check that I had installed it correctly.

After you’re done, the smart thermostat will walk you through the entire set up process. And installing the app finishes off the install. It took just under 30 minutes of total time to install. It would have been faster if I didn’t have a little trouble getting the existing wires pushed back inside the drywall.

What really impressed me was that it ran a diagnostic automatically to check that I had installed it correctly. Turns out, one wire that had given me pause for thought was actually connected to the wrong terminal. The Nest smart thermostat caught the error and gave advice on how to correct it. A quick switch of the wire and hey presto!

So far I am loving the Nest Learning Thermostat–the 3rd generation is beautiful. It seems smarter and more beneficial than the Sensi thermostat located upstairs. Give me a few weeks and I will provide a full review of the Nest smart thermostat in action!

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