Nest learning thermostat internet goes out

[Johnh1]

Hello,

I am installing an electric heat pump, with aux electric back up heat. i know that i cannot use the outdoor sensor to control the switch between heat pump and aux, and that i have to rely on outdoor temperatures via the internet. my question is, if the internet goes down and the nest cannot retrieve the outdoor temperature what does the unit do?

will it just continue to run based on the information of its last known outdoor temperature?

will it switch to aux heat after a certain runtime?

what are the default actions the nest will do if there is an internet outage?

i have purchased the Nest learning 3rd generation.

thanks for your time,

John

[RenzJ]

Hi Johnh1,

Thanks for bringing this up here in the Google Nest community. I'd be happy to take a look at this for you. If there is an internet outage, the Nest Thermostat will send you a notification that the device went offline. It will still continue to run based on your setpoints and will use the last gathered information for the outside temperature.

Your thermostat will automatically try to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network at regular intervals, as long as it has enough battery power.

Also, the Nest Thermostat has safety temperatures that can protect your home during extremely cold or hot weather. When your home reaches a set temperature limit, your thermostat will turn on heating or cooling even if it is set to off. This can help ensure that your pipes won't freeze or your home won't overheat.

Let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

Best,

Renz

[Johnh1]

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your response,

just so i understand correctly if the internet goes out, the nest will base its programming on the last retrieved temperature from the internet?

my concern is if there is long internet outage ie 12 hours, and the temperature drops the compressor on the heat pump will continue to run and it will not switch over to aux back up electric.

is there a setting that can be set for default if the heat pump (or heat source 1) runs continuously for a specified period of time that the nest will automatically switch over to heat source 2 (aux electric backup)

thanks for your time,

John Hicks

[RenzJ]

Hello Johnh1,

This is a great question. The Nest Learning Thermostat has a default setting. When the primary heating can’t reach the target temperature, the Nest thermostat will turn on auxiliary heating, even if the internet is down. As long as it’s properly set up during the installation process.

The Nest Thermostat will use its learning feature during an internet outage. Like the algorithm of your day-to-day target temperatures, sensors, and safety temperature to provide safe and comfortable temperatures.

Let us know if that helps.

Cheers,

Renz

[Johnh1]

Hey

Thanks for the info, I have it installed now with my cool climate heat pump and aux electric, it does not let me set the aux temp switch below -12c the unit is rated to run efficiently down to -20c before switching to aux. Is there a way to change this?

I could not find a setting for runtime of heat source one to switch to heat source two after a specific time frame, I know you stated it would be default, but do you know what that default time is? Or where the setting can be seen/changed?

Thanks,

John

[RenzJ]

Hey Johnh1,

Thanks for the update, currently there is no specific timeframe or run time but you can set it up on your Nest Thermostat.

1. Press your thermostat ring to open the Quick View menu.
2. Select Settings .
3. Select Nest Sense.
4. Select Heat Pump Balance then choose the setting you want.

Heat Pump Balance options:

Keep in mind that no matter what setting you choose, how much AUX heating you use ultimately depends on your system. One system might not need to use AUX heating often, while another system might need to use AUX to keep the system heating, even if the Max Savings setting is selected.

• Max Comfort: This is the default setting for Heat Pump Balance. If you choose Max Comfort, your Nest thermostat will try to get your home to the temperature you want, even if it means using expensive AUX heat. Max Comfort generally gives you higher AUX lockout temperature, which means it’ll typically turn on sooner and more often.
• Max Savings: If you choose Max Savings, your thermostat will try to use your AUX heat as little as possible to help increase your savings. Your lockout temperature will be set to a lower temperature, which means AUX heat will typically turn on later and less often.
• Balanced: If you choose balanced, your heat pump will use AUX heat when needed. Your lockout temperature will be between the temperatures used for Max Savings and Max Comfort.
• Off: If Heat Pump Balance is off, your thermostat will use your AUX heat based on a lockout temperature you set. The AUX lockout temperature can be changed in Settings  Equipment Heat Pump.

Keep us posted. 

Regards, 

Renz