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Join me on my journey as I tackle the installation of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation. Discover tips and tricks and the unexpected challenges I faced during the installation – this is a must read guide for anyone considering upgrading to smart thermostat. Know everything regarding how to install Nest Learning Thermostat.
Table of Contents
Introduction – How To Install Nest Learning Thermostat
Few months back, I had decided to upgrade my home with the latest 4th Generation of Nest Learning Thermostat. The reason being I have heard from my friends circle that it could save energy and let me control the temperature remotely from my phone. Which was a perfect decision for a tech enthusiast person like me and I was also curious to explore various features that it was offering.
However, I have shared my personal experience with the device, many comparisons too with other smart thermostats. This time I would like to share how my Nest Learning Thermostat’s installation went, with few “ufff” moments to lessons I learned so that you can get clear understanding of how to install Nest Learning Thermostat.
Safety First: My Little Panic Moment
Before starting with the installation process of Nest Learning Thermostat, I take the safety on priority. I walked to my HVAC system in the basement, and then turned the main power switch off and wait till I heard the power off sound.
Pro Tip: You can also turn on your heating or cooling system before cutting down the power so that you can confirm that it’s now off.
Haha a great lifesaver for overthinker like me.
Saying Goodbye to the Old Traditional Thermostat
Removing the old traditional thermostat felt like a dismantling a relic. With the help of the screwdriver I was able to take the cover off. And then removed the main thermostat. I saw many wires tangling there. My heart raced: What if I mix these up?
I took a picture of the wiring, so that it can helpful for me while installing the Nest Thermostat.
Decoding the Wires (Pretending to be Expert)
My wiring setup also consist of air conditioner and a gas furnace. Thanks to the wiring professional who has labelled all the wires. But, if you’re also not so expert like me it feels like reading another language. Here’s how I translated it:
- Green – G : “For Fan”
- Yellow – Y : “For AC”
- Red – RC/RH : Power
- White W1 : Heat from the furnace
Throughout the installation process I kept repeating like mantra “Red is Power, while it for heat”.
How to Install Nest Thermostat – A Battle with the Backer Plate
If you have unboxed your Nest Thermostat and you know very well that it comes in three sleek and stylish pieces. I opted to use the wall plate to hide the scars of the old thermostats.
Goodbye to the ugly holes!
Since before final installation I was testing the placement of the thermostat based, so I just used one screw initially.
Don’t judge – it held up!
Connecting the wires of Nest Learning Thermostat
As mentioned above, I clicked a photo of my wiring mechanism. And with the help of that photo I tried to match each wire to its terminal. In below mentioned format
| Wire (Color) | Purpose |
| White (W1) | Heating |
| Red (RH) | Power |
| Green (G) | Fan |
| Yellow (Y) | AC |
In my case none of my wires were broken or stubborn, if it happens with you just strip it gently with pliers and press with a little force in the Nest Thermostat’s terminal it will get locked. Make sure to double check every connection like I did, to make sure every wiring terminal is perfectly attached and locked.
First Boot Up: The Moment of Truth
I snapped the Nest onto the backer plate you can confirm that its fitted perfectly by hearing a satisfying clicky sound. Then marched back to the HVAC power system to restore the power. The Nest Learning Thermostat booted up, and I exhaled.
No sparks, no some – that’s the reason clicking photo of the previous wiring mechanism is important.
How to Connect Nest Thermostat with Google Home?
The initial setup of the device i.e. connecting it with the Google Home app was very straightforward. My Bluetooth on iPhone was on, but the thermostat didn’t appeared in the Google Home app automatically.
Made me a little panic!
But then I realized that I need to scan the QR code which is printed on the back side of the Nest Thermostat.
Pro Tip: Just remove the thermostat gently, it has a magnetic mechanism so you don’t need any tool to remove or put it back.
After scanning with the Google Home app, the app navigated me through these settings:
- Language: I choose to go with English only.
- Temperature: There were two options Fahrenheit and Celsius, I opted to go with Celsius.
- Heating Fuel: Natural gas.
- Fan Control: “By Furnace,” since my installed system handles it properly.
Wi-Fi
Connecting the Nest Thermostat 4th Gen with Wi-Fi is very straightforward process. Once connected with the Wi-Fi I renamed by thermostat to “Smart Nesty” .
Exploring features of Nest Thermostat Learning 4th Gen
The 4th Gen Nest Learning Thermostat comes with the classic rotating dial which is loved by many users – which is smooth to turn and adjust the temperature manually. Accidently I activated the cooling mode (which indicates by the snowflake icon in the display) and got to know that system waits a few minutes before going into cooling mood, which protects the compressor from Google’s Point of View.
The menu is so user-friendly that let me toggle heating/cooling temperature based on my need and requirement, schedule the temperature as needed, I also recommend you to try the “Eco Mode” which means bye to your energy bills.
My Final Thoughts On How To Install Nest Learning Thermostat
It took me just around 45 minutes to install including the time took to require to set up the Wi-Fi and integrate with the Google Home. The Google Home app also shows my energy usage and also suggests me way to save more energy.
I love tweaking various settings to change the temperature laying on the bed.
Was it worth it? In single word absolutely yes.
Also Read Related Articles on our website
- Nest 4th Gen Learning Thermostat – What’s New in 2025?
- Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen [2025 Review]
- Ecobee Smart Thermostat vs Nest – Which One Wins in 2025?
- Factory Reset Nest Thermostat for New Owner – Quick & Safe Guide [2025]
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