How do I create a schedule with a Nest Thermostat?

The Google Nest thermostat series is an advanced smart home device that remembers your temperature preferences. Unlike many of its standard counterparts, you can also program it manually from your smartphone. It takes a while to master the controls, but you can even save energy once you do.

If you're not sure how scheduling works with a Nest Thermostat, you've come to the right place. You will also learn some energy saving tips. Read on to find out the details.

How to Create a Schedule on a Nest Thermostat

There are three models of Nest thermostats, but only two have the auto-schedule feature. The standard model may not adjust the temperature on its own, but it recommends settings through its Savings Finder. Here are the models:

• Nest Thermostat
  
• Nest Thermostat E
  
• Nest Learning Thermostat
  

Since the Nest Thermostat requires a different app to control, we'll separate the sections. We will also include instructions for activating automatic programming.

Nest Thermostat

The Google Home app controls the Nest Thermostat. When you pair the device with the app, it should appear in the list of devices. Here's how to create a calendar:

1. Launch the Google Home app on your smartphone.
2. Select the Nest Thermostat.
3. Select “Settings”.
4. Choose “Temperature”.
5. Choose a day of the week to add a temperature.
6. Press "Add".
7. Select a preset you like or create a new one.
8. Choose the hour of that day by dragging the numbers.
9. Confirm your choice and select other days of the week, if desired.
10. Repeat the steps until you are satisfied with the program.
11. Tap "Done" to save changes.

It is also possible to return later to the schedule if you decide to modify it. You can always change the temperatures and the active duration according to your needs and circumstances.

The Nest Thermostat will prevent you from continuing if you select conflicting times. Any temperature variations within a program must have a difference of at least 60 minutes between them.

After setting up the schedule for a day, you can tap “Copy (insert day here) schedule” to copy this plan. Tap other days to stick the schedule to those days. This saves time instead of manually adjusting every day to be the same.

Unlike other models, you can't use the Nest Thermostat itself to adjust the temperature.

Nest Thermostat E

Like the Nest Learning Thermostat, the Nest Thermostat E requires the Google Nest app. Therefore, both devices will not respond to the Google Home app. If you are near the thermostat itself, you can also create a schedule directly on it.

Here are the instructions for using the Nest app:

1. Launch the Google Nest app on your phone.
2. Choose the thermostat from the list of devices.
   
3. Tap "Schedule" to get started.
   
4. Choose the day you want to adjust.
   
5. Press "Add".
   
6. Drag the set point left or right to adjust the time.
   
7. After that, drag it up or down to change the temperature.
   
8. When done, move on to another day.
9. Repeat the steps until you are satisfied.

If you want to change the temperature directly from the thermostat, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Nest Thermostat E.
   
2. Open the Quick View menu.
3. Go to "Settings".
   
4. Select "Schedule".
   
5. Turn the ring to select a day and time to set.
   
6. Press "New" to choose a new temperature.
   
7. Rotate the ring until you find a suitable time and press.
   
8. Turn the ring again until you find the desired temperature and press.
   
9. Repeat for the other days.

Here's how to turn on Auto Schedule for your Nest Thermostat E.

1. Open the Google Nest app.
2. Choose your thermostat from the home screen.
3. Go to the Settings menu.
   
4. Tap "Nest Sense".
   
5. Select “Auto Schedule”.
   
6. Press "Yes" to confirm.
   

After activating automatic programming, the Nest Thermostat E remembers the temperatures you like and makes the adjustments. Just change the temperature from the app to your liking and the device will remember your habits. After a while, it starts creating a program based on your input.

Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat has similar functions to the Nest Thermostat E. Both can be controlled using the same app or directly on the device screen. However, the former is compatible with more heating and cooling systems and costs more.

To change the Learning Thermostat schedule on your app, try this method:

1. Open the Nest app.
2. Select the Nest Learning Thermostat from your app's home menu.
   
3. Go to "Plan" to get started.
   
4. Choose a day to personalize.
   
5. Select "Add".
   
6. Move the set point left or right to set the time.
   
7. To change the temperature, move the point up or down.
   
8. Change to another day if needed.
9. Repeat as needed.

Alternatively, you can also create a schedule using the thermostat screen.

1. Activez le Nest Learning Thermostat.
   
2. Access the Quick View menu.
   
3. Head to the Settings menu.
4. Choose “Schedule”.
   
5. Start spinning the ring to choose a day and time.
   
6. Press "New".
   
7. Use the ring to set the time and press down to confirm.
   
8. Then do the same for the temperature before pressing.
   
9. Repeat for the other days.

The Nest Learning Thermostat also has auto-programming features.

1. Launch the Google Nest app.
2. Select the device on the home screen.
3. Access the "Settings" menu.
   
4. Go to “Nest Sense”.
   
5. Choose “Automatic scheduling”.
   
6. Select "Yes" to continue.
   

Save energy with Nest thermostats

All three models of Nest thermostats have an energy saving feature. It appears as a Nest Leaf icon while you adjust your schedule. When you set the temperature to anything that saves energy, the leaf will appear.

We recommend Nest Leaf preferences when setting a schedule to save energy. The more you see it, the less the heating or cooling consumes.

Another tip is to lower the temperature by one degree, as many people can't tell the difference. Usually, lowering the temperature slightly will increase the savings over time.

The Google Nest can also shut down the system if it detects you're not home. “Away” and “Auto-Away” modes are available if you activate them and turn off your system when your home reaches a minimum or maximum temperature.

However, manually setting it to “Away” for longer absences will save more energy and maximize savings. Conversely, “Auto-Away” can heat or cool the house when it detects activity, which is not effective. If you have pets or plants in the home, be sure to consider their health as well.

More Crank Dials

With the help of Google Nest thermostats, many homeowners are experiencing increased energy savings. Smart systems are also easy to use, and if you activate automatic programming, you will hardly have to make changes afterwards.

What model of thermostat do you have at home? Do you think Nest thermostats are effective energy savers? Let us know in the comments section below.