We have told you before about smart thermostat technology and why we believe it is a sound investment. This spring, Google announced that it is ending support for its first- and second-generation Nest thermostats, both of which were released to the public in 2011. If your home has one of these models of smart thermostats in your home, you might be wondering what the next step is. Today on the blog, we explore your options to upgrade or replace your outdated Nest thermostat.
How do smart thermostats work?
Before we proceed, a few words on this technology and how it operates. A smart thermostat allows you to control any and all temperature settings in your home with a push of a button. A smart thermostat can be installed independently, or as part of a connected “smart home” automation system that may include control of lights, door locks, security systems, smoke alarms, cameras, home entertainment devices and even appliances. You also can control temperature settings outside of your home through an app that can be installed on your phone or tablet.
What does the loss of support for Nest thermostats mean?
The cutoff date for Google support for first- and second-generation Nest thermostats is October 25. After that date, Google wrote in a blog post announcing the decision, “You will no longer be able to control them remotely from your phone or with Google Assistant, but can still adjust the temperature and modify schedules directly on the thermostat.”
As some measure of compensation for inconvenienced customers, Google is offering $130 off its fourth-generation Nest thermostat for affected households.
How can Thompson Electrical help?
We are experienced and knowledgeable working with home automation systems and all relevant supported devices. We have provided these services to both residential and commercial customers in Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol and the surrounding areas of East Tennessee.
If you are affected by the loss of support on these early-generation Nest thermostats, we recommend that you upgrade to a more current model that will continue to receive Google support, or an alternative device. We recommend the Ecobee smart thermostat. The parameters of the Ecobee coincide with any of the HVAC units that we currently sell and install. Moreover, our customers who receive the Ecobee devices report higher satisfaction with the Ecobee than they do with Nest devices.
Smart thermostat installation in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee
When working with home automation systems or the incorporation of any smart device into an existing system, we recommend trusting the job to an electrician with experience working in smart technology. Any member of the team at Thompson Electrical Service who comes and completes a job is fully licensed, bonded and insured. We also have been in business for more than two decades and cultivated a strong reputation for reliable work during that time.
If your smart thermostat is impacted by this recent announcement from Google, or you would like to upgrade your current heat and air system to incorporate a smart thermostat, we are here to help. Make an appointment today by calling our office in Kingsport at (423) 840-7457.
