Article Summary:
If you've ever installed a power outlet or an overhead lighting fixture - you'll be more than comfortable installing your Nest Learning Thermostat.

Unlike the electronics we normally buy for our homes, thermostats don’t plug into a power outlet. The Nest Learning Thermostat must be wired directly to your heating and cooling system.

The process is usually simple for a DIY homeowner. The low-voltage wires that control heating or cooling systems are similar to the wires for a doorbell or for an automatic sprinkler. Ordinarily, the only wires you’ll need to work with are located behind your thermostat -- you won’t need to change any other connections to your heating and cooling system.

The first step is to take off the cover of your old thermostat and take a look at the wires to understand what you're working with. The Nest Thermostat works with most heating and cooling systems that have up to seven connected and active wires. To figure out if your system is compatible with the Nest Learning Thermostat, take note of the labels of the connectors attached to your existing wires. Enter these labels into the Nest Thermostat's Compatibility Check.

If your existing thermostat's wires are crooked or too short, you may need to straighten them with pliers, trim the ends with a wire cutter or strip some insulation with wire strippers. Sometimes, attaching the Nest Thermostat to the wall might require a power drill. Prior to installation you might also want to spackle and paint to cover up holes and marks left by your old thermostat.

Watch our installation video below to see the entire process. If you have questions at any point along the way, please call us. We’re here to help.

If you would like someone to install your Nest Thermostat for you, you can arrange for a Nest Pro installer to come to your home and install your new thermostat.

How much will it cost to have my Nest Thermostat professionally installed?