Install your Nest thermostat

We recommend professional installation for a 3rd- or 2nd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat, but you should be able to install a Nest Thermostat E yourself, depending on your system.

Steps to install and use your Nest thermostat

Before you get started using your thermostat, you’ll need to complete all the steps below:

1. Install your thermostat and Heat Link – you are here
2. Set up your thermostat
3. Add your thermostat to the Nest app
4. Getting started using your Nest thermostat

Install your thermostat and Heat Link

Tip: Some of the installation instructions are different, depending on the thermostat model. If you’re not sure which model you have, go to our article about How to tell which Nest thermostat you have.

Determine if your system is compatible

Nest thermostats are designed to work with many different types of heating systems. Use our compatibility checker to determine if your home is compatible with the Nest thermostat. You can also contact a local Nest Pro to check if your heating system is compatible, install your Nest thermostat and answer any questions that you might have about using your Nest thermostat.

Thermostat wiring

2nd- or 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat

Because Nest Learning Thermostats sometimes require changes to the thermostat wiring, it’s recommended that you have yours professionally installed to keep you safe and avoid damaging your system or thermostat. 

Nest thermostats do not provide power to your home’s heating system. The thermostat only tells the system when to turn on or off, so the system needs to be connected to your home’s power.

Find a Nest Pro installer

To use your phone to control your thermostat, get monthly updates on your energy use and more, your thermostat will need to be set up, connected to Wi-Fi and added to the Nest app.

Fil pilote system wiring

Fil pilote systems are compatible with both the Nest Thermostat E and 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat, but the wiring is a bit different.

The Nest app will guide you through wiring for the Nest Thermostat E. Below is the wiring diagram for 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostats.

 

Note: No matter which thermostat you have, we recommend installation by a Nest Pro because advanced wiring is usually necessary. For instance, your Nest Pro may need to install an additional fil pilote diode (sold separately), depending on your current system.

Nest Thermostat E

You’ll need the Nest app on your phone to set up and begin using your thermostat. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

1. Open the Nest app. If prompted, sign in to your account.
2. From the home screen, tap Settings .
3. Tap Add product.
4. Select Nest thermostat.
5. Scan the code on the bottom of your thermostat stand to get started.

The app will take you through setup and show you a wiring diagram so that you can see where to plug in your wires. Follow the instructions in the app carefully to install your Nest Thermostat E.

Where to install or place your thermostat

Where you install or place your thermostat depends on which thermostat you have and whether you’re installing it on a wall or placing it on a stand.

Select your installation below to learn more about how to choose a good place for your thermostat.

Install 2nd- or 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat on a wall

If you have an existing wired thermostat installed on your wall, you should be able to install a Nest Learning Thermostat in the same place. However, to ensure that your thermostat runs smoothly, you should make sure that you do the following:

• Choose a room or area that people in your home use the most. Your thermostat uses activity sensors to determine when you’re home or away so that it knows when to switch to your Eco Temperature to help save energy.
• Avoid placing your thermostat near heat sources or in drafty areas. Your thermostat senses the temperature in the area that it’s in to decide when to turn on the heat to keep you comfortable. Place your thermostat away from anything that would cause the temperature to be artificially high or low, such as drafty windows, radiators, fireplaces or continual direct sunlight.
• Make sure that your thermostat is within wireless range of the Heat Link (30 m maximum). To control your system, your thermostat needs to be connected to Heat Link. If the connection is not strong, it may not be able to heat your home.
• Install your thermostat between 1.2–1.5 metres above the floor.

If you think that your old thermostat was installed in a bad spot, contact a Nest Pro to help you find a better place.

Place 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat on a stand

Note: Stands for the Nest Learning Thermostat are available for purchase separately.

Important: Because the Nest Learning Thermostat works best on a stand when it stays in one place, you shouldn’t move it after you’ve chosen a good spot. Features like automatically switching to Eco Temperature depends on your thermostat being able to get consistent temperature and activity readings from the same spot in your home.

• Choose a room or area that people in your home use the most. Your thermostat uses activity sensors to determine when you’re home or away so that it knows when to switch to your Eco Temperature to help save energy.
  Tip: Sometimes, pets in your home can be detected by your thermostat and prevent your home from switching to Eco Temperature when everyone else is away. You’ll need to either manually switch to Eco Temperature, or keep your pet away from the room that your thermostat is in.
• Avoid placing your thermostat near heat sources or in drafty areas. Your thermostat senses the temperature in the area that it’s in to decide when to turn on the heat. Place your thermostat away from anything that would cause the temperature to be artificially high or low, such as drafty windows, radiators, fireplaces or continual direct sunlight.

Note: Occasional sunlight is fine since your Nest thermostat’s Sunblock feature can help adjust the temperature, based on irregular heat spikes and patterns.

• Make sure that your thermostat has a clear field of view. Place your thermostat so that it’s not blocked by doors, bookshelves or other objects. That way its activity and temperature sensors can work properly. If your thermostat is on a ledge, try bringing it closer to the edge.
• Place your thermostat within wireless range of the Heat Link (30 m maximum). To control your system, your thermostat needs to be connected to Heat Link. If the connection is not strong, it may not be able to heat your home. Place your thermostat so that it can communicate wirelessly with Heat Link.
• Place your thermostat 0.75 to 1 m above the floor on a flat surface. If you place it too low, this can affect the temperature reading and run the system longer since it’s generally cooler closer to the floor. Placing your thermostat within this range will also help to optimise your Farsight experience.

Place Nest Thermostat E

Important: Because your thermostat works best when it stays in one place, you shouldn’t move it after you’ve chosen a good spot. Features like automatic switching to Eco Temperature depend on your thermostat being able to get consistent temperature and activity readings from the same spot in your home.

• Choose a room or area that people in your home use the most. Your thermostat uses activity sensors to determine when you’re home or away so that it knows when to switch to your Eco Temperature to help save energy.

Tip: Sometimes, pets in your home can be detected by your thermostat and prevent your home from switching to Eco Temperature when everyone else is away. You’ll need to either manually switch to Eco Temperature, or keep your pet away from the room that your thermostat is in.

• Don’t place your thermostat near heat sources or in drafty areas. Your thermostat senses the temperature in the area that it’s in to decide when to turn on the heat. Place your thermostat away from anything that would cause the temperature to be artificially high or low, such as drafty windows, radiators, fireplaces or continual direct sunlight.
• Make sure that your thermostat has a clear field of view. Place your thermostat so that it’s not blocked by doors, bookshelves or other objects. That way its activity and temperature sensors can work properly. If your thermostat is placed on a ledge, try bringing it closer to the edge.
• Place your thermostat 0.75 to 1 m above the floor on a flat surface. If you place it too low, this can affect the temperature reading and run the system longer since it’s generally cooler closer to the floor.

If Heat Link is installed in a different room, place your thermostat within wireless range of the Heat Link (30 m maximum). To control your system, your thermostat needs to be connected to Heat Link. If the connection is not strong, it may not be able to heat your home. Place your thermostat so that it can communicate wirelessly with Heat Link.

Note: If you need to move your thermostat to another spot, reset its schedule so that it can learn your temperature preferences in the new spot in your home. Go to Settings Reset Schedule.

Connect cables to Heat Link

2nd- or 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat

If you have a 3rd- or 2nd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat, you should have a professional to install it. They will identify cables from the boiler, zone valve or junction box to connect to Heat Link.

Nest thermostats do not provide power to your home’s heating system. The thermostat only tells the system when to turn on or off, so the system needs to be connected to your home’s power.

Nest Thermostat E

If you’re installing a Nest Thermostat E, the Nest app will instruct you on how to install the Heat Link with your current thermostat wiring.

Download documents for your thermostat

Download documents to help you install and get started using your Nest thermostat in our Help Centre.

After your thermostat has been installed, you’ll need to answer a few questions about your home. 

How to set up your thermostat

 

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Steps to install and use your Nest thermostat

1. Install your thermostat and Heat Link – you've just completed
2. Set up your thermostat
3. Add your thermostat to the Nest app
4. Getting started using your Nest thermostat