Nest thermostat feature alerts users to potential HVAC issues

[Shawn Knight]

What just happened? Google Nest is testing a new smart thermostat feature that can alert users of potential issues with their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Google Nest Product Manager Jeff Gleeson said that based on information like your thermostat’s historical data and current weather, it will learn to detect some unusual patterns that might indicate an issue. If it takes longer than usual to heat or cool your home, for example, there may be a problem brewing.

In the event an issue is detected, Google Nest will alert you via e-mail. Those who are already signed up for the Nest Home Report monthly e-mail that summarizes energy usage and safety events will automatically be enrolled to get the new HVAC alerts. If not, you can sign up by opening the Nest app, tapping Settings -> Notifications -> Nest Home Report and turning the slider to the “on” position.

Google Nest is also looking to monetize the feature. Through a partnership with Handy, the company can put you in touch with an HVAC Pro to come have a look at your system.

The Handy service will initially be offered in more than 20 metro areas including Boston, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Denver and San Diego, just to name a few. Additional regions will be added over the course of the testing period, we’re told.

Masthead credit: Nest thermostat by Gulpa. AC check by Joyseulay.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/83800-nest-thermostat-feature-alerts-users-potential-hvac-issues.html

 

[ShagnWagn]

Note that if you do, you get blasted and spammed with everything. Every product you own, plus now you get newsletters, promotional emails, sell your information to advertisers, etc etc. Have fun with that.

But yet they can't even give you basics such as setting your fan to run for X number of hours. I've lost a ton of potential savings if I can set a delay on the next temperature setting. Such as if I'm at work and now won't be home at the usual time, I could delay it to like 10pm instead. Soooo much energy lost, but they don't care. Here I thought these things were supposed to be "energy efficient". /facepalm

disclaimer: I didn't buy this new, it came with the house. No, I do not have any of their other privacy invasion products. No, I haven't been suckered into converting my account.

 

[brucek]

If the long-term conclusion of this trend is that every issue in my house is immediately alerted to me via email along with a 1-click option to fix now for a fair price, I'd be a happy homeowner.

What usually happens with me if something starts going wrong but is not truly disruptive to my life, and is not covered by one of the few trades I have on speed dial like a plumber, it'll just sit on a to do list until it's time to sell the house.

 

[EClyde]

I heat with wood

 

[Uncle Al]

Spending a $125 for a one time purchase of those gauges and learning how to use them would be a far better investment. Add an Amp meter and you've got exactly what you need to diagnose the system. Spend a few more bucks and get a copy of the book on your system so you can compare the amp reading with the suction temperature and you've just got about everything you need to diagnose any problem and if you're really enthusiastic, take a class at your local vocational tech school and you'll have the whole ball of wax. A lot better than guessing about temperatures all of which can often be corrected by changing your frigg'in filters every month and get away from those high efficiency filters. Most systems were not designed for them and all they do is put a lot of strain on your system .......

 

[Homerlovesbeer]

I heat with wood

You heathen! Just think of the children sucking in your smokey pollution and how you are contributing to global warming!

 

[bandit8623]

Ecobee already does this.

 

[EClyde]

You heathen! Just think of the children sucking in your smokey pollution and how you are contributing to global warming!

Heathen Why yes

 

[wiyosaya]

A yearly checkup from my trusted HVAC guy already does this without gagme spying on me and selling my data.

Besides, I see no reason for anyone to open their home network to a security risk.

 

[tyrsdisciple]

Nice, Neat finaly caught up to Ecobee, except Ecobee doesn't monetize. You 'donate' data, not agree to be advertised at.