Nest Labs Launches Second Gen Learning Thermostat

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Updated 10:56 pm

Nest Labs Launches Second Gen Learning Thermostat

This will solve those heating and cooling woes.

It’s been less than a years since ex-Apple employees launched the Nest thermostat, and they’re already launching a second iteration of the device.  Suffice to say the Apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, even after they leave the proverbial Nest (puns intended). Compare this thermostat with our review of Enphase energy’s Environ Smart thermostat (monitors your solar energy) before you make the purchase.

The next gen Nest is 20% slimmer than the first and has been finished with a shiny chrome facade to better reflect your home’s interior.  Hopefully this result in it fitting in a bit more seamlessly.  Nevertheless, the second gen Nest continues to learn and monitor your usage using a variety of sensors, and ultimately reduce your heating and cooling cost amongst the respective months.

In addition to being smaller and more shiny, Nest Labs has upgraded the software to 3.0 (first gen owners will have access to this as well), making it compatible with 95 percent of low-voltage residential heating and cooling systems.   In addition to that, the Nest can now control non-forced air systems, such as radiators, and with that better schedule cooling and heating cycles.

Early-On: For forced air systems, get the temperature you want when you want it. If your schedule says 72ºF at 6:00 AM, Early-On will start heating or cooling early so it’ll be 72ºF when your alarm rings at 6:00 AM. Nest also calculates the health of your system’s air filter – based on system runtime – and reminds you to change it when needed to maintain efficiency.

True Radiant: No more turning on the radiant heat at 4:00 AM so you can be warm by morning. True Radiant delivers predictable comfort with all the energy savings you expect from a radiant system.

Heat Pump Balance: Nest’s exclusive Heat Pump Balance feature optimizes how often you need to use expensive auxiliary (AUX) heat. Just choose whether you want more comfort or more savings, and Heat Pump Balance will automatically adjust when AUX heat comes on.

And for those that own an Android tablet, the Nest now supports the Google mobile OS, including the Kindle Fire HD and Google Nexus 7.

The second generation Nest is available for preorder for $249.  It will ship to customers sometime in mid-October.  That’s a $20 premium over the original Nest, which is still on sale.

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