A Nest Temperature Sensor is the ultimate solution to achieving climate control for the room you need to be heated or cooled. In most homes, the temperature in each room differs. It can vary depending on room size, exposure to sunlight, and other factors. The Nest Temperature Sensor communicates with the desired thermostat to ensure your comfort. We’ll explain a few reasons why you should consider installing one.
The sensor takes readings and relays the temperature of the room where it's placed to the thermostat. The thermostat then turns the system on and off based on the sensor’s readings rather than its built-in sensor. From the app, you can choose which sensor controls your thermostat. You can also control which sensors control which thermostat based on the time of day.
To use the sensor, you need a Nest Thermostat. It includes a Time-to-Temp feature that can estimate how long it’ll take to reach a set temperature. Meanwhile, the Early-On function calculates the length of time it will take to heat or cool your home. Therefore, the sensor can turn the AC or heater on when you leave work, so your home will be at the perfect temperature when you arrive.
The battery in a Nest Temperature Sensor can last as long as two years. The Nest or Google Home app will alert you when the battery is low. You’ll also receive a notification on your phone. Once the battery is critically low, the system will notify you again, so there’s ample time to replace the battery before the sensor shuts off.
If you have a zoned HVAC system, up to six sensors can connect to a single thermostat. As many as 18 sensors can be added to the entire system. Using the Nest app, you can select the appropriate sensor to cool or heat your living room, home office, or bedroom.
The algorithm used by the Nest Thermostat is based on real-world data. It’s also updated regularly to improve accuracy. The sensors only measure indoor temperature, but the system can connect to the internet to obtain information on the temperature outside. You’ll have to specify your location when setting up the sensor.
Google provides simple instructions for installing each sensor. Add it to your account by scanning the QR code on the battery pull tab, and then remove the tab. Install the unit about chest high and within 50 feet of your thermostat to maximize accuracy. Make sure it’s not near a heat source or where airflow is blocked.
You can mount the sensor on a flat surface like a shelf, or you can mount it on a wall. The included screw can usually be installed without drilling a pilot hole. Simply hang the sensor by fitting the screw hole on the back of the unit over the screw in the wall.
Accurate temperature readings from each room, the ability to control your thermostat accordingly, and schedule heating and cooling can make your HVAC system more efficient. Your home will feel more comfortable, yet your energy bills should be lower. Many of the benefits will be immediate, and the potential for long-term savings is a great reason to consider installing a Nest sensor. Plus, you can eliminate temperature fluctuations around your home without costly modifications to your HVAC system.
NexGen specializes in improving the comfort of homes throughout Southern California. Let us assess your heating and cooling system to determine your best options. A Nest Temperature Sensor can make a big difference. We can install and set up the system (including the sensor and thermostat) for you. To learn more and request service, call (833) 729-9735 today.
An air conditioner provides cool air. A furnace or heat pump keeps you warm and cozy. But it’s the thermostat that’s responsible for ensuring your comfort. Your home will quickly become unpleasant if it’s not working. One of the most common reasons for this is the unit isn’t receiving power. Below, we’ll explain what to do if there’s no power coming to your thermostat (many of these issues are easy to fix).
If someone accidentally turned the thermostat off, your HVAC system won’t receive any signals to run. It’s not infeasible to brush against something and push a switch. If your thermostat has a touchscreen, it’s even easier to make a mistake. Take steps to turn the unit on and see if it lights up and your heating or cooling system kicks in.
If you have a battery-operated thermostat and haven’t changed the batteries in a while, there’s no immediate cause for panic if it stops working. The controls and the display won’t have power if the battery is drained. Changing the batteries is simple. Remove the cover and refer to the user manual and symbols in the battery casing to properly insert the batteries.
Another simple reason no power is coming to the thermostat is it’s dirty. Dirt, dust, and virtually any other buildup can prevent it from working. Wipe down the outside of the unit regularly. To clean the inside, remove the outer cover and either wipe down the interior with a rag or use a can of compressed air. Reinstall the cover and see if the thermostat has power.
You’ll have to look further if the problem still isn’t resolved. There should be something on the display, even if the thermostat is off. If the screen is blank, then the device isn’t receiving power. In this case, you’ll want to check for the following:
You can determine if the wiring is defective by turning the fan from the “Auto” setting to the “On” setting. The blower should start, which means your thermostat is getting power. Or, if the AC is on, turn the temperature down; if the furnace is on, turn the temperature up. The level must be higher/lower than the current room temperature. If the thermostat is receiving power, your HVAC system should start up.
There are also more complex tests that involve checking the wire connections, disconnecting them, or using a multimeter. Unless you’re familiar with wiring in general, it’s best to consult a professional.
At NexGen, we can help select and install some of the most advanced thermostats on the market. Our team can troubleshoot and repair them as well. If your thermostat isn’t getting power, follow our suggestions above and contact us if you can’t get it working. We provide professional HVAC services throughout Southern California. To request assistance, call us at 833-729-9735.
Regardless of the season or outdoor temperature, you rely on your thermostat to signal your HVAC system to turn on. It’s an unforgiving experience when the thermostat clicks but nothing happens. You’ve come to expect a prompt response. Instead, you’re left uncomfortable and wondering what to do.
Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot and possibly fix the cause of the problem:
If the thermostat clicks but the AC or furnace doesn’t turn on, most often it’s because the filter is clogged. A blocked filter will restrict airflow. The particles it’s designed to trap eventually clog the filter media, and the system will be unable to generate heat or cool air. To avoid this scenario, change the filter every 60 to 90 days and consider investing in a higher-quality one that screens out even smaller particulates.
If the thermostat clicks but nothing happens, the setting it's on may be the reason. For example, it must be set above the current room temperature for your furnace to turn on. This can be resolved by turning the thermostat up to the highest setting. If the furnace kicks in, turn down the temperature so your home doesn’t get too hot. Also, make sure the thermostat is in “Heat” or “Auto” mode and that the fan is set to “On” or “Auto”.
If adjusting the thermostat doesn’t help, check whether it has malfunctioned. Look for loose wires or relay connections that you can tighten. Or, turn off the breaker to the unit, wait a couple of minutes, and turn it on again (or reset the breaker if it has tripped). The thermostat should start working; if not, it may need to be replaced.
Find the circuit breaker for the furnace if nothing happens when the thermostat clicks. All furnaces need electricity to run. If a breaker has tripped, flip it on and see if your furnace starts running. If the breaker trips again, contact a professional to look at the system.
A pilot ignitor coated in debris won’t ignite the furnace, even if the thermostat clicks on and sends the right signal. To access the ignitor, remove the furnace’s front panel. Identify whether the ignitor is dirty or clogged. But unless you have experience working with furnaces, call an HVAC professional who can safely deal with the problem.
For a gas furnace to work, the gas valve must be open. The thermostat will click as usual. But if you don’t get heat, one place to look is the gas valve. If it’s closed, turn it carefully to a parallel position with the pipe, and the gas should start flowing.
A faulty capacitor can be the reason the thermostat clicks but nothing happens. The capacitor stores an electrical charge, which starts the compressor when a signal from the thermostat is received. If the capacitor has gone bad, you may hear a buzzing sound as the thermostat clicks. This means it's trying to start the system but doesn’t have the charge to do it. Since a capacitor is a high-voltage component, it’s best to call a service professional to fix the problem.
We provide heating and air conditioning installation and repair throughout Southern California. Our friendly technicians are prompt and committed to ensuring the success of every job, no matter how big or small it is. NexGen is renowned for its high-quality service and competitive pricing for all types of HVAC, plumbing, and air quality equipment. If necessary, we’ll even provide you with a new or updated programmable or smart thermostat. Feel free to book service online or call 833-729-9735 today!
Most of us know how to use a manual thermostat. However, it lacks the accuracy and automatic control that today’s newest models do. A smart thermostat can not only be programmed, but allows you to control your HVAC system remotely.
You can install one if you have an internet connection. It can work via geofencing, or by tracking your smartphone’s GPS or RFID signal to determine your proximity to home, or using algorithm software to learn your behavior, and adjust the temperature automatically. It’s also able to adjust to the seasons and, depending on the model, outside weather conditions.
A smart thermostat can be a worthwhile investment, depending on your needs. But that doesn’t mean it’s an advantage for everyone. Read our pro’s and con’s to help decide whether one may be right for you.
Serving all of Southern California, we install the latest digital, programmable, and smart thermostats. These include leading models from Honeywell as well as the Google Nest. We are available 24/7 to address your questions and concerns. Feel free to book an appointment online or call 833-729-9735 today.
Running a home air conditioning or heating system can be expensive -- not to mention unreliable, spotty, and sometimes unpredictable with temperatures throughout the house. That’s why so many homeowners have turned to Nest technology. Nest thermostats provide proven energy savings, often paying for themselves in just a few years of operation. These smart thermostats can turn themselves off when you are away, offer maximum control from your smartphone or other devices, and have remote temperature sensing. Ultimately, the thermostats are specifically designed to help homeowners like you get optimal comfort in their homes while saving energy and money every month. Who doesn’t enjoy smart home comfort?
Nest changes the game for heating and cooling, especially now that the Nest Temperature Sensor elevates home thermostat control even further. Whether you currently have a Nest thermostat installed or are considering the full package, our HVAC experts are here to help you determine if all the bells and whistles are worth it.
Working with both the 3rd-generation Nest Learning Thermostat and the more affordable Nest E Thermostat, the Nest Temperature Sensor can be a crucial component of any smart home. When you want ultimate control of your multi-level house or specific rooms, the sensors allow you to have simple and effective management for an affordable price. The sensor connects to your Nest via bluetooth and will begin to measure temperatures and send back reports to the thermostat so that it can make accurate adjustments.
Here are some of the key reasons to consider investing in these sensors:
Typical homes will only have one thermostat. However, fluctuating temperatures room to room or in an upstairs area can make it difficult to achieve ideal comfort. Having Nest Temperature Sensors throughout desired rooms or areas of the house allows a homeowner to fine tune their thermostat to their exact preferences without breaking the bank. You can even schedule the temperature based on the time day of you use each area of the house! That means you can say goodbye to a freezing cold kitchen in the morning after you’ve had a cozy night sleep and forget about wasting cool air in rooms you won’t be in the rest of the day or until evening.
Can you still work your thermostat and HVAC system to provide reliable comfort throughout your home without a Nest thermostat and sensor? Sure. You certainly won’t get the accuracy, reliability, and cost savings that a fully integrated smart thermostat system can provide though. For many homeowners, having a complete Nest system is viewed as a smart home investment. Not only does it provide immediate benefits, long-term savings, and energy conservation, it also means added home value down the road and other great benefits.
If you are frustrated with hot and cold spots throughout your home, tired of expensive AC or heating bills when your home temperature doesn’t even feel all that comfortable, NexGen is here to review your options. While a Nest thermostat and Temperature Sensor can be a great addition, we are available to help you assess your entire system and determine the best course of action for optimizing your home comfort.
You deserve to enjoy ideal temperatures in your own home. Call NexGen today to get our expert opinion on your heating and cooling options!
The summer temperatures in Palm Desert, California are here and it's HOT outside. Many people have received their second or third summer electric bills – and they're literally breaking out in a sweat over the amount due!
When it's about 110 degrees in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, or Indio, California, it's hot enough for anyone and anything. Learn the best way for you to set your thermostat this summer – even if it's not exactly what you want to hear or you prefer a relatively chilly indoor air temperature.
Making “the case” for a warmer indoor air temperature during the summer rests on three truisms:
The California Energy Commission recommends that homeowners set their thermostat to 78 degrees when they're home and 85 degrees when they're away from home during the summer. Note that this is a better strategy than turning off your air conditioner on 100-degree days – so that you don't return home to indoor air that feels like a sauna, and so that your air conditioner won't have to run as long to cool your home upon your return.
The center's advice is based on the U.S. Department of Energy's often repeated mantra about thermostat controls and saving energy: when you can adjust your thermostat by between 10 and 15 degrees for eight hours at a stretch – higher during the summer and lower during the winter – you can save between 5 and 15 percent on your utility bill. This one adjustment can add up to considerable savings, though it might mean sticking with a minimalist wardrobe during the summer (and reaching for a sweater during the winter).
Admittedly, some people simply do not tolerate warm weather well. And some people suffer from health issues that make a cool indoor air temperature an absolute necessity.
Be sure to make allowances for such conditions and take proactive measures to help you stay cool indoors with or without air conditioning -- and even before the temperature soars to three digits outdoors:
When it's 100 degrees outdoors, you're likely to feel the heat indoors. Ensuring that your home is properly sealed and insulated against air leaks will mitigate your discomfort – and help keep your utility bills in check.
Our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the leading HVAC company in Southern California. To learn more about our equipment, services, and protection plan, book an appointment online or call 888-277-0415.
