What Is The Average Lifespan of Nest Thermostat?

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Nest Thermostats are one of the fastest-growing smart thermostats on the market. When considering a reliable home product, the average lifespan often influences a consumer’s decision to buy or skip the product. 

Of course, with any product– smart or not, how you take care of it will greatly affect its lifespan.

All About Nest Thermostat Lifespan

As previously mentioned, the Nest Thermostat has a lifespan of about 10 years. Although all the Nest Thermostat generations have the same estimated lifespan, each generation has different warranties available. Below are the types of warranties per the generations of Nest Thermostat.

Standard Warranty

The standard warranties for Nest Thermostat guarantee freedom from defects in materials and workmanship for specific periods per generation:

  • Nest Thermostat E and Nest Temperature Sensor have a one-year warranty
  • All other Nest Thermostat generations have a two-year warranty

Extended Warranties

Extended warranties apply exclusively to the listed Nest Thermostat generations when installed by a Nest Pro who enters a valid Nest Pro ID during setup.

  • Additional two years for Nest Thermostat E
  • Additional three years for the Nest Learning Thermostat

Having covered the lifespan and warranties for Nest Thermostats, let’s delve into methods to extend your Nest Thermostat’s longevity.

Best Practices To Extend The Life of Nest Thermostats

While it’s common to replace items at the end of their lifespan, the best approach is to focus on maximizing the longevity of your smart home devices. Using the following guidelines may help extend the life of your Nest Thermostat:

  • Ensuring operating temperatures
  • Standard upkeep of care and cleaning of your thermostat
  • Avoid magnetic fields
  • Receiving proper service and support

We will further explore these guidelines to ensure your Nest Thermostat remains in optimal condition, maximizing its lifespan.

Nest Thermostat Operating Temperature

Avoid operating the Nest Thermostat below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can lead to potential malfunctions. 

While most homes maintain temperatures between 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, prolonged power outages during inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances can adversely affect the Nest Thermostat’s performance and lifespan.

Standard Care and Cleaning: Nest Thermostats

Keeping your Nest Thermostat free from dirt or dust is essential for reliable performance. Regular cleaning ensures accurate readings and helps prevent unnecessary maintenance for your Nest Thermostat.

To clean your Nest Thermostat, use a microfiber cloth. This prevents additional lint or dust from clinging to the thermostat or rough cloth materials from causing scratches. Use a dry cloth to remove streaks, smudges, or dust.

Use screen wipes or eyeglass cleaner for stains or grime. You can also use household soap or disinfecting wipes to clean the back and sides of the thermostat. To disinfect your thermostat, opt for 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol.

You must avoid the following products or materials when cleaning your thermostat:

  • Avoid solvents and bleach or bleach-based cleaning solutions, including hydrogen peroxide, paint thinner, acetone, and ethyl alcohol
  • Avoid rough cloths and the scrubby side of the sponge when wiping the thermostat surfaces. 
  • Avoid chemical detergents or powders that contain ammonia

Getting the Right Service and Support

Proper service and support are key to ensuring your Nest Thermostat’s longevity and optimal performance.

  • Avoid Unauthorized Repairs/Modifications: Don’t make unauthorized repairs or modifications to your Nest Thermostat to prevent permanent damage and warranty issues.
  • Utilize Online Self-Diagnosis: Google Nest provides online resources for self-diagnosis and troubleshooting. Access these resources to identify and potentially resolve issues with your thermostat.
  • Seek Authorized Service Providers: For repairs or guidance beyond self-diagnosis, consult authorized Google service providers. They have the expertise to address problems effectively while maintaining warranty coverage.

You can also sign up for Tech Supportal and connect with experts for assistance with your Nest Thermostat immediately.

Replacing Batteries on Nest Thermostat

Not all Nest Thermostat models allow user-replaceable batteries. 

The 3rd Gen Nest Thermostat and some other models permit battery replacement, while certain generations, like Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat, do not have replaceable batteries. 

Always consult the user manual to confirm whether your Nest Thermostat model allows battery replacement.

Some Nest Thermostat owners assume that a low or needing replacement battery signals the thermostat’s end of life.

Your Nest Thermostat will tell you the battery is low by flashing red or orange, depending on your model.

If removing your Nest Thermostat and charging it via micro USB doesn’t help your Nest Thermostat’s life, you should change the batteries.

How to Replace Nest Thermostat’s Batteries

Replacing the batteries on your thermostat is simple and takes little time. Use the following steps to replace the batteries on your Nest Thermostat:

  1. Remove the thermostat display from the base
  2. Open the back of the display and remove the old batteries
  3. Insert two new AAA alkaline batteries
  4. Place the thermostat display back on the base

When To Replace Your Nest Thermostat

Identifying when to replace your Nest Thermostat is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and heating or cooling systems. Here are some signs that might indicate the need for a replacement:

  • Inaccurate Readings: If your Nest Thermostat consistently provides inaccurate temperature readings, it might be time for a replacement.
  • Frequent Malfunctions: Persistent malfunctions or issues with programming, Wi-Fi connectivity, and heating and cooling systems, despite troubleshooting attempts, can signal the need for a new unit.
  • Old Age: If your Nest Thermostat has surpassed the average lifespan of around 10 years, considering a replacement for an upgraded model might be beneficial.
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