Using the Nest Thermostat as a remote access thermometer, even if not connected to a heat source.

[Jeff12]

Can the Nest Thermostat be used as a Safety Temperature alert device in the winter using the WIFI connection and Google Home App to remotely warn me of potential freeze conditions WITHOUT the Nest being connected to a heat source?  I have a freestanding gas heater with an old 2-wire simple thermostat that works just fine.  The problem is that sometimes high winds during winter storms can blow out the pilot light resulting in no heat and potentially frozen pipes when I am away from home.  If I get a Safety Temp notification on my iPhone using the Nest App I can have a neighbor go in and re-light the pilot light, but only if I am alerted to the freeze potential. 

[Mgassan]

I figured it out. There is no information on this topic anywhere. Connect a plug in the wall 24vac transformer made for thermostats and connect to Rh and C. Then cut a small piece of wire and insert into the W slot. Tape the end so it doesn’t provide 24v to anything if the heat setting comes on. This will trick the nest into having all the required wiring so you can connect wifi. If you don’t want an exposed power wire you can run wire from an outlet in the wall and connect a small transformer in the wall to your thermostat. 

[Markjosephp]

Hello folks,

Thanks for reaching out. I know it has been a while, but I wanted to ensure that everything is covered here.

@Jeff12, Safety Temperatures is a built-in feature on Nest Thermostats; you should receive a notification once you've enabled it and adjust certain temperatures when the set limits are reached. You'll find options to adjust your safety temperatures in the Nest app, Google Home app, or on the thermostat itself. For more information, here's your reference to thermostat safety temperatures. Feel free to let us know if you have more questions.

I appreciate your help here, @Mgassan.

Thanks,

Mark

[EmersonB]

Hello everyone,

I'm dropping by to ensure that everything is covered here. How's it going with your Nest Thermostat? Were you able to read the information and check the link that Mark has shared? In case you have an update, you know where to find us.

I appreciate the help, Mark.
 
Regards,
Emerson

[Dan_A]

Hey there,

I'm just checking in to make sure that you've seen our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this thread in 24 hours.

Thanks,

Dan