Google Nest thermostat energy savings projections are based on data from actual household use of our thermostats, studies and experiments performed by Nest, as well as multiple independent studies conducted by third parties and energy companies. On average, customers who install a Nest thermostat save money on their heating and cooling bills.
This article applies to the following Google Nest thermostat models in the US and Canada:
- Nest Thermostat
- Nest Thermostat E
- Nest Learning Thermostat
How to tell which thermostat you have
Thermostats matter a lot for overall energy use
In the average home, heating and cooling account for about half of energy use as determined by the US Department of Energy. This means that a thermostat that efficiently controls your system can have a significant impact on your home energy use and can reduce your overall energy bill.
In February 2017, the Nest Learning Thermostat became the first programmable thermostat to receive an ENERGY STAR® certification. The newer Nest Thermostat E and Nest Thermostat are now also certified. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency.
Ways Nest thermostats can help you save
Here are a few of the ways that Nest thermostats can help reduce the amount of energy used by your heating and cooling system:
Use Eco Temperatures
Switch to energy-efficient temperatures automatically when you’re away
Help take care of your HVAC system's health
Program an efficient schedule automatically
Make small adjustments to save energy
Find the Nest Leaf to help you choose efficient temperatures
Savings results with Nest thermostats
Multiple studies, including those run by energy companies independently from Nest, have shown that on average customers save 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling after a Nest thermostat is installed. Based on typical energy costs this means a savings of $131-145 a year.
Where those numbers come from
How much energy can you save?
How different manufacturers calculate savings
Energy savings can be an important part of deciding which thermostat to purchase. But, not all estimates of potential energy savings from a thermostat are created equal.
Different ways manufacturers calculate energy savings
There are a few different ways that energy savings estimates are made.
Manufacturers can:
- Use a model with an imaginary customer and some assumptions to estimate savings.
- Examine real world data before and after installation in real customer's homes.
- Design a controlled experiment to measure thermostat energy savings.
- Use a mix of these and other methods.
Check out these different methods in more detail: