How long do owners say Google Nest thermostats typically last?
If you want to control your HVAC unit from your home and anywhere else, there are smart thermostats that will allow you to do so. The Google Nest Thermostat is one such device that lets you set temperature, routines, and monitor your air conditioning and heating from anywhere. Nest has been in the smart thermostat game since 2011, before Google acquired it in 2014 and continues to iterate on the smart tool. Although the company doesn’t say how long the smart home thermostat is supported, owners on Reddit said their Nest Learning Thermostat lasted at least eight years, while others on the same thread said theirs lasted between 10 and 12 years.
This means that if you buy a Nest thermostat, it should last almost the entire time before Google decides to end its support. The Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd generation) was released in 2012 and was available for 13 years before Google decided to end support for the first model of the Google Nest Thermostat. That being said, if you have a second or first generation Google Nest thermostat, it will no longer connect to the Google Home app or Google Nest Hub in 2026.
Common issues that end the life of Google Nest thermostats
According to owners on Reddit and official Amazon reviews, the Google Nest Thermostat is actually a very useful and durable device. When it comes to faults, users don’t mention many major issues, but there are a few common issues with Google Nest, which users may find not to their liking or which may create frustrations with owning the Google Nest thermostat.
One of them could be batteries. While many users said the batteries lasted a few years – up to eight years – others said the batteries died earlier and they didn’t know how to change them. Many Nest models come with AAA batteries, while others, like the Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat, have an internal rechargeable battery. Google says the rechargeable battery is not user-replaceable, but some owners have found a workaround.
Reviewers on Amazon are furious that Google is ending support for older models. By stopping software updates and disconnecting the first and second generation Google Nest thermostats from apps, they essentially become normal thermostats. This change forced users to keep older smart thermostats or spend money to purchase newer supported models. If Google ended support once, it could do so again, putting those same users in a similar situation.
How to extend the life of your Google Nest thermostat
To ensure your Google Nest Thermostat lasts as long as you need it, there are steps you can take to care for it. It might be best to consider having a professional do the installation. Google Nest thermostats can be installed by anyone, according to Google, but having a certified technician take care of it can help it run smoother. They can explain how to use it and you can ask questions about how it works, the best way to use it, and much more.
It’s also best to think about where the Google Nest thermostat will be installed. This may depend on where the old thermostat is located in your home, but it is recommended to keep it out of direct sunlight. If the thermostat is mounted in a location where the sun is constantly hitting it, the thermostat might automatically lower the temperature because it believes the room is warmer than it actually is. The Google Nest Thermostat has a built-in sun protection feature that can prevent this from happening, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
There may be a few things you didn’t know your Nest thermostat can do, like set routines. It might also take better care of your system, as it won’t automatically start if it detects that the room is too hot or too cold. This can reduce the pressure on the thermostat when in overdrive.