Is the Nest Temperature Sensor Worth Buying?

TL;DR

The Nest Temperature Sensor enhances comfort by allowing temperature control in specific rooms, but it doesn't align well with energy-saving features of smart thermostats. While it's easy to set up and priced affordably, its lack of motion sensors and limited scheduling capabilities compared to competitors like Ecobee make it less appealing. Alternatives exist for better room-specific climate control.

Transcript

hey what's up it's Reid with smart home solver and today we're gonna be talking about the nest temperature sensor and seeing if it's worth getting I'm also going to be talking about some alternatives to the nest temperature sensor that can help you be comfortable and save you money and what's interesting about the nest temperature sensor is it does... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The Nest Temperature Sensor is an affordable accessory for homeowners who want to enhance comfort.
• 👨‍💻 The setup process is easy, requiring a simple QR code scan to connect to the Nest thermostat.
• 🖤 Lack of motion sensors is a drawback compared to competitors like Ecobee.
• 👎 Nest's scheduling options for the sensor need improvement, as they are limited and buried in settings.
• 📱 Alternative solutions, such as using smart home sensors or smart fans, can provide room-specific temperature control.
• ⚾ Bond and SmartThings integration can be used to automate fans based on temperature readings from smart sensors.
• 🏛️ Haiku fans and standalone heaters with built-in temperature sensors are options to consider.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can the Nest Temperature Sensor be used with older Nest thermostat models?

No, it only works with Nest 3rd gen and newer models. 2nd gen owners do not have compatibility.

Q: Does the sensor have motion sensors built-in like Ecobee?

No, the Nest Temperature Sensor only measures temperature. Ecobee sensors have motion sensors that adjust temperature based on room occupancy.

Q: Can you ask Google Assistant about the temperature of the sensor?

No, unless the sensor is currently being used as the temperature sensor for your Nest thermostat, you cannot ask Google Assistant about its temperature.

Q: Is the Nest Temperature Sensor suitable for a two-story house?

Yes, it is great for maintaining different temperature levels on each floor. However, it may run your system more in a room that takes longer to heat or cool.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Nest Temperature Sensor is slightly larger than a golf ball and can be mounted on the wall or placed on a desk.

• It uses a lithium battery that lasts for two years and connects to your Nest thermostat via Bluetooth.

• The sensor can be scheduled to change temperature readings between the sensor and the thermostat at specific times, although functionality is a bit restricted.