With daylight saving time just days away, we all have butterflies about all of the plans we’re going to make when it’s warmer outside and light out longer. (Though, let’s be real, we’ve had a countdown to this day since that dreaded day last fall.)
With all of the running around you’ll be doing, adding a smart device to help manage your thermostat, schedules, and internet might be wise. Google’s collection of Nest Learning Thermostats(Opens in a new tab), Nest WiFi routers(Opens in a new tab), and Nest smart displays(Opens in a new tab) let you control smart plugs, lights, locks, energy usage, and more while you’re not even home. For the few seconds that you are home to take a breather, a simple “Hey Google” command can make life a lot easier.
Google’s first attempt at mesh WiFi in 2016 went extraordinarily well. It was kind of known as the easy, fast, no-fuss solution to shitty internet at home, not to mention it looked chic and inconspicuous (as most routers don’t).
In Nov. 2019, Google revamped its mesh system to yet another Eos lip balm-looking router, and it’s once again a no-brainer choice for anyone who’s tired of confusing instructions, shifty connection, and slow loading. Nest WiFi is too easy to set up and provides powerful speeds from the get go, and each piece doubles as a Google Assistant smart speaker. The only people who may leave feeling unsatisfied are gamers when they notice the lack of ethernet support.
One of the simplest ways to combat your inevitable climate change anxiety is to find concrete ways to make a difference. That difference can be as small as cutting your home’s energy usage, but this doesn’t have to mean refusing to turn on your heat or AC at all times.
The Nest Learning Thermostat and its sensors (sold separately) provide a more efficient cooling system by learning your behaviors (as well as what rooms in the house are being occupied) and builds schedules around them. There’s no need to heat an entire floor if no one is up there, and there’s no need to blast the AC all day when your Nest will make sure you come home to a comfy temperature. Not only will you be decreasing your contribution to power plants going into overdrive, but Nest estimates(Opens in a new tab) that you’ll save between $131 and $145 on energy bills for the year.
You don’t realize how nice it is to have a hands-free smart display in your home until you go to someone else’s home and realize that they can’t say “Hey Google, call mom” while elbows deep in a recipe they don’t really know how to make. The Google Nest Hub is technically a digital photo frame, but it can also do things like make video calls, show Youtube videos, and give directions with Google Maps. (It’s essentially Google’s answer to the Amazon Echo Show.)
This bundle at Walmart also comes with a Nest Thermostat E. Though it’s Google’s cheapest smart thermostat option, it can do(Opens in a new tab) literally(Opens in a new tab) almost everything(Opens in a new tab) that the more expensive Nest Learning Thermostat can do. It learns schedules and can control temperature via voice or an app — it simply doesn’t display the time or temperature when it senses that someone is in the room.
Walmart’s advertised MSRP ($318) is a bit inflated, as buying the two items separately would total to $298 — but it’s still a sweet savings of $30.
Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Gen
Auto-Schedule
2nd generation Thermostat
Learns what temperatures you like
Slimmer design with stainless Steel ring
Saves up to 20% on heating and cooling bill
Saves energy when you are away
1-year manufacturer warranty
Control from Anywhere
Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat which controls your home’s temperature and learns what temperatures you like. It is energy saving because it turns itself down when you leave the house.
Nest Thermostat can be controlled from anywhere using the Nest app. The away mode helps to save energy by turning the thermostat down and programming itself when you are away. Control this thermostat from anywhere in the world using your mobile, tablet or computer.
Energy Saving
When your Nest Thermostat is encouraging energy it displays a ‘Leaf’. This means that now the thermostat is saving energy. This thermostat works with 95% of energy saving systems.
The Away Mode turns the thermostat down to save more energy when you are away. It can save up to 20% of your cooling and heating bill.
Auto Schedule
With Auto-Schedule, your Nest Thermostat knows what temperatures you like and adjusts itself to your preferred temperature without you having to command it.
Multiple Sensors
This smart thermostat comes with sensors like Humidity, Temperature, Far-field activity, Near-field activity, and ambient light sensors.
Control from Anywhere
The Nest Thermostat can be controlled from anywhere using smartphone, tablet or computer.
Attractive Design
The Nest Thermostat comes to you with a Slimmer design enclosed by a stainless steel ring.
Energy Usage Reports
The Nest app sends you energy usage reports to help you save energy by referring to Usage History.
Easy to use
Nest users rave about the app’s User Interface simplicity and ease of use. The Nest Thermostat is simple and easy to use via the Nest app.
