Too cold for compressor?

[SXA]

I received a Google Nest Thermostat as part of a new heat pump package and wondered if the Google nest will tell you if your compressor is running or not.

 it’s about 32 degrees and it blows out about 70 degree air and doesn’t seem to heat up at all until auxiliary heat turns on which takes more than 30 minutes or more 

Everything was installed by a professional so I assume everything was done correctly but if the compressor lost power etc would Google Nest realize that it was not coming on or does it just kick on auxiliary heat based on lack of temperature increase?

[AndersC]

Hi @SXA,

Thank you for posting in the community. I understand you'd like to confirm whether your Nest Thermostat recognizes when the compressor loses power and activates auxiliary heat due to a lack of temperature increase. I'm happy to assist you.

As there are many variables to confirm depending on your system, please provide the information requested below:

• Photos of the wiring connected to both your HVAC system and your Nest Thermostat base.
• The typical weather conditions in your location during this time of year.
• The type of HVAC system you have (gas, oil, propane, electric, etc.).
• Whether your thermostat is configured for heating only or heating and cooling.
• Any error codes displayed within the app (navigate to Settings > Equipment).

For more information regarding auxiliary (AUX) heat, please refer to the article "Heat Pump Balance."

I look forward to your response and will be awaiting your update.

Regards,

Anders

[SXA]

Actually my compressor and outdoor unit was not operating at all because the breaker was turned off and it had to be replaced. If google nest could have told me that it had no power I would have known to call my installer sooner

[SXA]

 

How would I take photos of my heat pump wiring??

Its all electric heat and wired for heating and cooling. 

It has back up heat strips also electric 

No error codes

Usually have mild winters but recently went through a few days of weather with lows in the 20s

[AndersC]

Hi @SXA,

Thank you for the information. You can remove your thermostat from the base and take a picture of the wiring. The wiring of your HVAC system depends on access to the control board.

Could you tell me if your system and thermostat are working properly after you noticed the breaker was turned off and had to be replaced?

Keep me posted.

Regards,

Anders

[SXA]

Sorry couldn’t post a photo at first 

 

[SXA]

The system is heating and cooling 

[SXA]

 the brown wire is completely sheathed and not attached to anything 

[AndersC]

Hi @SXA,

Thank you for the photos. From my side, the wiring appears to be correctly connected to your Nest Thermostat.

Could you please confirm whether the compressor and outdoor unit stopped operating due to the breaker being off before or after you installed the Nest Thermostat?

Keep me posted.

Regards,

Anders

[SXA]

Everything was installed together as part of a package. So the installer replaced my heat pump air handler and thermostat on the same day. A breaker inside the outdoor unit was manufactured incorrectly and it tripped and shutdown the outside unit. The Google nest just turned on the air handler and blew air around for about two hours before turning on auxiliary heat strips because it must not have realized that the compressor was not running. My Honeywell thermostat would have used emergency heat right away and told me. 

[AndersC]

Hi @SXA,

I appreciate this information. As you previously mentioned, the breaker inside the outdoor unit was manufactured incorrectly, causing it to trip and shut down the unit. Therefore, contacting the installer is the best option.

The Nest Thermostat cannot notify you of internal system errors since it's installed and configured by the installer.

I understand how crucial those notifications would have been, especially if you had expected to receive them.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Regards,

Anders

[SXA]

Could a future google nest come with 2 way communication? If it’s sending a signal for something to turn on and it does not isn’t there a way to know via electric current 

[AndersC]

Hi @SXA,

I understand this feature may be useful, considering your needs and the needs of all Nest users.
We're always looking for ways to improve, and we appreciate your feedback.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Regards,

Anders