House is FREEZING.

[JEShields]

We bought a house back in October, it came with the Google nest thermostat. We didn’t really notice any issues at first because it’s usually cold in Canada around that time. But it’s now weeks of 12+ weather and we are so cold we have double the socks, hoodies and blankets on 24/7. It’s warmer outside than inside. We set our temperature to be 18-21 at varying times throughout the day, and ended up with an $800 electricity bill. So I deleted the schedule and kept it mostly to 18-19, but it’s still so unbelievably cold. I cannot feel my toes most days and it’s a terrible way to live. We have no contact with the previous owners and were given no instructions. I’ve already reset the thermostat twice and nothing has changed. What am I doing wrong??

[st2299]

Hey,

What heating system do you have? Is there also airconditioning?

Seems to me that if you have that high of an electricity bill, there are 3 option:

- You are actively cooling your home. Airconditioning?

- Over which period is that $800? Is the heating system on electricity. These are notoriously inefficient (except if it's a heat pump). 

- Something else is using a lot of electricity.

Does it reach the desired temperature on the nest screen? Is it actually heating? Can you give some more info of what's on the screen of the Nest?

[JEShields]

I appreciate the response! To answer your questions: 

We have a heat pump. It’s always set to 65-66 sun/heat setting. We don’t have the original remote that came with it so unsure what the sun means other than heating.

The $800 bill was a two month cycle. Our previous bill was $500.

Our nest bounces between 18-19-20 during the day. Sometimes it’ll show the eco leaf. It never feels that warm except for first thing in the morning. It feels more like +2 in the house for the rest of the day. The house’s insulation has been checked. No windows are open. Seals around the doors have been recently replaced. 

Thanks again!

[mejiacruz]

Hi @JEShields,

It sounds like you're in a frustrating situation with your Nest thermostat! Here are some steps that might help you get your house warmer and reduce your energy bill:

Troubleshooting the Thermostat:

• Check the Mode: Ensure the Nest thermostat is not in "Eco" or "Away" mode. These modes prioritize energy saving and might not heat as aggressively as desired. Set it to "Heat" mode for now.
• Verify Temperature Settings: Double-check the programmed temperatures and ensure they're set to your desired range (18-21°C) during the times you need heat.
• Review Learning Function: Some Nest thermostats have a learning function that adjusts temperatures based on usage patterns. It's possible this function might be prioritizing cooler settings based on past behavior (from the previous owner). Try disabling the learning function temporarily and see if it makes a difference.

Additional Tips:

• Consult the provided resources: In-depth troubleshooting guides are available for both your Nest thermostat and heat pump. Refer to these articles for further assistance:

  • Nest Thermostat Troubleshooting
  • Heat Pump Troubleshooting
  • Important Safety Reminder: Always turn off your breakers before working with the thermostat or heat pump wires.

• Change the Air Filter: A clogged air filter can reduce airflow and hinder the heating system's efficiency. Replace the air filter with a clean one.

• Check the Heat Pump: Ensure your heat pump system is set to "heat mode" and functioning correctly. Look for any error codes on the Nest or the heat pump itself.

By following these steps, you should hopefully be able to identify the cause of the coldness in your home and adjust the Nest thermostat settings for better comfort and energy efficiency. Try those steps and let us know if you were able to fix it.

All the best,

Josh

[JEShields]

Hi Josh,

I appreciate your well written response. I never have it set to away or eco, because that’s what I assumed would happen too. When we first moved in, I used to set it to heat/cool cause it was mid fall, between 18-21. I’ve completely reset it twice during these heating issues, our filter has been changed very recently and I actually have connections with a heat pump company so I know it’s in good shape. 

Recently it’s gotten warmer on some days so I’ve gone back to the heat/cool option.. this time it’s set to heat to 17 and cool to 20. I’ve had to reset it twice this morning alone because I’ll walk past it and see that it changed itself to heat to 20 and cool to 24. Why does it keep doing that?? I literally hate this device.

[mejiacruz]

Hi @JEShields,

I understand your frustration with the Nest Thermostat. I apologize for the trouble you're experiencing.

To assist you better, we'll need some additional information. I'm sending you a secure form where you can provide all the necessary details and also please fill out all the information required.

Here's the contact us form

Once you've completed the form, please let me know. This will allow us to investigate the issue further and find a solution.

All the best,

Josh