Can You Install A Nest Thermostat In An Apartment?

It’s easy to install a nest thermostat in an apartment as long as there’s an existing thermostat with the correct wiring. Most thermostats are low voltage and draw power from the HVAC system. This makes them relatively safe to work on and something most people can DIY. Modern programmable thermostats have multiple colored wires which run to your heating and cooling system. But most older apartments only have heat and no central AC. When you remove an old thermostat in an apartment without AC all you’ll find are two wires. One power and one control. But don’t worry, a Nest Thermostat can be installed to control heat alone or heat and AC. This makes them ideal for just about any apartment.

When installing a Nest Thermostat simply connect the old wires into the back of the unit in the correct holes. The instructions that comes with the Nest will tell you where each wire goes.

Outdated thermostats are usually inefficient, inaccurate and lack modern programmable features which save money. As long as your landlord doesn’t mind you making the change I recommend you do it. The money you could save with Nest and all the programmable features makes them worth it. And they look really cool hanging on the wall. But check with your landlord before you make the change. Even though it’s usually an easy DIY project they may require an electrician to do the work.

According to Nest, customers save an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on air conditioning which is about $130–$145 annually. This means you can potentially recoup the cost of the device in just a year or two.

Your savings will depend on a number of factors like if you use a Nest Thermostat for both heat and air-conditioning or just heat. Other factors like the type of heat, local utility rates and how efficient your HVAC system is will also impact the savings. But in almost all cases people save money when switching to Nest.

In this article we’ll discuss installing a Nest Thermostat in an apartment and why it’s a good idea.

Should I Install A Nest Thermostat In An Apartment?

A Nest thermostat will work in an apartment that just has heat or heat + AC. So in most cases installing a Nest Thermostat is a huge upgrade from the existing unit.

Most older apartments we’ve installed Nest Thermostats in had really old equipment that was inefficient and non-programmable. Switching to a Nest not only brings lots of features but they’re also very accurate. An accurate thermostat reading is important because it helps regulates temperature inside the apartment. This saves money and creates a more comfortable environment.

First, you need to get the landlords permission. Other than that, installing a Nest is simple.

In every apartment where I’ve installed a Nest Thermostat, including my own, the heating an AC bill went down. They’re much better than old equipment and the programmable features are great. I set mine to go off when I’m at work and turn on a half hour before I get home. I also turn down my heat at night when I sleep. And you can adjust the temperature by WiFi if you need to. All these features save money every month on energy bills.

To install a Nest thermostat in an apartment, you need to remove the old thermostat first. Once it’s gone, the new Nest Thermostat uses the existing wiring. This makes install very easy to do because there’s no complex wiring involved. You just connect the wires to the right spot on the back of the Nest. And the old wires are usually color coded to make things even easier.

Even though connecting a Nest is relatively easy, it still involves wiring. There are easy to follow instructions with the Nest but if you don’t like working with wiring I’d recommend calling an electrician or HVAC company.

Since Thermostat wires are low voltage, either an HVAC contractor or electrician can connect the Nest.

Make sure you keep the old thermostat after you hook up the Nest. When you move out you’ll have to switch it back or leave the Nest.

How Is A Nest Thermostat Installed?

Installing a Nest thermostat in an apartment is usually quick and easy.

The first step is removing the old thermostat from the wall. Most thermostats are low voltage with very thin wires. If this is the case you can install the Nest using the old wires. If you’re not sure about the voltage, call an electrician or test them with a volt meter.

Some old style thermostats have thick wires like what you see in an outlet or switch. They’re usually white, black, red or covered in wire wrap. They may also be labeled 120V or 240V. This means that your thermostat uses higher voltage in which case DO NOT attach these wires to the Nest thermostat. Nest Thermostats are only designed to work on low voltage wiring.

If you find higher voltage wires on the back of your existing thermostat, I recommend calling an electrician to do the work.

Here are the 10 steps you need to follow to hook up your Nest Thermostat:

Shut off the power to the thermostat.
Remove the old thermostat and label the old wires to match the corresponding wires on the Nest Thermostat.
Feed the wires through the base plate on the Nest and then mark the position of the screw holes.
Attach the Nest Box trim plate to the base plate.
Attach the Nest base to the wall using the included screws and a screwdriver. It’s usually a phillips head.
Connect the corresponding wires to the Nest thermostat.
Attach the Nest thermostat display.
Turn the circuit breaker back on.
Test the new thermostat.
Program the Nest and connect it to WiFi.

Nest Thermostats come with detailed instructions which are easy to follow. Connecting one in an apartment is usually a job most people can handle DIY. But if your unsure call an electrician.

Nest Thermostat VS Old Thermostat

A Nest Thermostat has several benefits that make it worth installing in an apartment. And there’s no major drawbacks other than the cost. For a thermostat, Nest can be expensive. They range in price from around $100 to over $250. But they can save money on energy bills so in the long run they’re actually a good deal.

Save Money: Because A Nest gives an accurate reading you can better control the heat and AC which saves money on energy costs.
Programmable: Nests are programmable so you can do things like turn the heat off when you’re not home or turn it down while you sleep. And it’ll come on again before you wake.
Looks: Nest thermostats have a really cool modern look. Mush better than the usual white box hanging on the wall.
Easy: They’re easy to install and operate.
WiFi: A thermostat with WiFi can be a big benefit if you travel a lot or have pets at home.
Upgrade: A Nest Thermostat is a premium product and a big upgrade from most existing apartment thermostats.

When I compare a Nest Thermostat to just about any existing apartment thermostat, the Nest wins. I don;t see any drawbacks to using one other than the price. But there are cheaper models and deals that can help with the cost. If money’s tight and you want one I’d recommend buying last years model when stores start stocking the new ones.

If you have an apartment with just heat or heat + AC I definitely recommend installing one. The money I save just on the programmable features and WiFi makes them worth the money. And I think they look really cool.

The Problem With Old Apartment Thermostats

Installing a Nest thermostat in an apartment is generally a huge upgrade. Especially if you have an old inefficient and non-programmable thermostat.

Outdated and inefficient thermostats are generally not as accurate as a Nest. This causes you to turn up the system which makes heating and cooling the apartment more expensive.

Old thermostats that are not programmable and don”t have WiFi can be an even bigger problem. Since you can’t program or control the system when you’re not home, you have to run the HVAC at the same temperature 24 hours a day to keep the apartment comfortable. This is a huge waste of money.

If you turn the HVAC off when you leave for work, when you get home the apartment is either too hot or too cold. Then you have to crank it up high to get the temperature right. This also wastes money and is very inefficient. A Nest Thermostat solves these problems with programmable features and WiFi.

All Nest Thermostats are programmable. And some higher end models help you manage your home’s temperature by learning and adapting to your energy consumption habits. All these features are designed to decrease wasted energy while maintaining comfort levels.

Ultimately, installing a Nest Thermostat in an apartment means a more comfortable home which costs less to heat and cool.

Other Smart Devices That Help Manage Temperatures In An Apartment

There are other smart devices which can also help you manage the temperature in an apartment other than a Nest thermostat. These are also controllable by WiFi via a smart phone and can help save money on energy bills. They can also be used along side a Nest for even more control.

Sensibo Smart Air Conditioning Pods

The Sensibo system features small receiver pods that connect to your air conditioning unit. They’re then controlled by a hub that connects to your router which allows you to control the unit via a smartphone.

The hub is powered by the router so there’s no need for an additional outlet if space is tight.
The system allows you to turn the unit off and on with your smartphone.
Running an AC in summer when you’re not home is a huge waste of money. The Sensibo Smart System saves money by giving you remote control of the system.

Sensibo Smart Air Conditioning Pods are also compatible with heat pumps. These are found in many apartments because they provide both heat and AC.

Smart AC

Modern Window-Mounted Air Conditioner units are built with WiFi and programmable features similar to a Nest. The The LG Energy Star 12,000 BTU 115V Window-Mounted Air Conditioner is a smart window air conditioner that learns from your habits. It cools the home when you need it and not when you’re away.

The unit uses smart scheduling to learn your habits and then adjust the temperature accordingly based on your usage. It also allows you to track your usage so you can adjust the settings for even more savings.

Infrared Smart Heater

The Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater is an energy-efficient electric heater. It features WiFi which can control the system via a smartphone from anywhere.

Includes overheat protection.
Clean and allergy safe.
Child lock function.
Cool exterior for added safety around pets and children.
Operates quietly.

If you need an additional heater in your apartment a WiFi unit is the way to go. You can turn it on using a smartphone so the apartment is warm when you get home.

Conclusion

A new Nest Thermostat is a great addition to any home or apartment. They’re accurate, programmable, have WiFi and look great. But since you’re a renter make sure you get the landlords permission before you install one.

In most cases installing a Nest Thermostat is quick and easy to do with the existing wiring. But watch out for higher voltage 110v or 220v wires that were used on some old thermostats. Nests only work with low voltage thermostat wiring. Most people can handle installing a Nest by themselves, but if not any electrician can do it in a few minutes. And they can also help with the setup and programming.

In addition to Nest there are a few other Smart devices on the market that can help manage your apartment’s temperature. And the great thing about them is they don;t require altering the apartments wiring.

With the right modern equipment, you can gain more control over your apartments temperature and save money.

Summary: Can You Install A Nest Thermostat In An Apartment?

When installing a Nest Thermostat simply connect the old wires into the back of the unit in the correct holes. The instructions that comes with the Nest will tell you where each wire goes.

If you have any questions or comments about Nest Thermostats E-mail any time.