Nest has wrong outdoor temperature

[BenLong]

My Nest Learning Thermostat is consistently displaying the wrong outdoor temperature. For example, at the moment, it says it's 54 degrees F outside when its actually 31 F. This is a big problem because the Nest won't switch to my alternate heat source from the primary source. I have it set to switch to the alternate heat source (propane furnace) if the outdoor temp is below 35 F. Below that temperature my heat pump is not efficient and is wasting energy. This is why I really need the Nest to know the correct outdoor temperature, so it can select the correct heat source!

[Northwoods51]

I’m having same issue in Chicago suburbs. I do not know for sure but it may be related to us switching from standard copper wire AT&T internet to Verizon 5G internet service.  Something with the 5G service that makes it seem as if you’re in another city. Had a similar issue when we switched to 5G- our YouTube TV would block out local channels because it thought we were somewhere else. 

[zoeuvre]

Hi folks, 

I'm sorry to hear that your Nest Learning Thermostats are reading incorrect outdoor temperature. If your Nest Learning Thermostat is consistently displaying the wrong outdoor temperature, it can impact the thermostat's ability to switch to the appropriate heat source based on your settings. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to address the issue:

1. Ensure that the thermostat is installed in a suitable location away from direct heat sources, drafts, or any factors that might affect its temperature readings. Correct placement is crucial to obtaining accurate outdoor temperature readings.
2. Make sure there are no obstructions around the thermostat or its outdoor temperature sensor. Objects blocking the sensor can interfere with temperature measurements. Ensure that the sensor is clean and free of any debris or dirt.
3. Ensure that your Nest Thermostat has the latest firmware installed. Updates can sometimes address software bugs or improve temperature accuracy. You can check for updates through the Nest app or the thermostat's settings menu.

By taking these steps, you should be able to improve the accuracy of the outdoor temperature readings on your Nest Thermostat. This will allow it to make more informed decisions about selecting the appropriate heat source based on your settings.

Let us know how it goes.

Best,

Zoe

[Northwoods51]

1. I am not understanding how placement of the indoor nest thermostat unit on the wall in my dining room affects the outdoor temperature reading (and  the predicted temperatures for the day) that it displays. Regardless, it is on a wall that does not receive direct sunlight or drafts. 
2. There are no obstructions and it is clean.  But, where is the outdoor temperature sensor?  How does the nest thermostat in my indoor dining room know the outdoor temperature and the predicted temperatures for the day?  I believe it is pulled from the internet given some kind of location information.
3. The software is up to date.

Do you have other ideas?  Is it related to my new 5G internet service thinking I’m in another city?

[zoeuvre]

Hi Northwoods51, 

I'm sorry for any confusion. Let me clarify how the Nest Thermostat determines the outdoor temperature and predicted temperatures for the day.

The Nest Thermostat does not have an outdoor temperature sensor built into it. Instead, it relies on internet-based weather data to provide the outdoor temperature and forecast. When you initially set up the Nest Thermostat, it asks for your location information, which it uses to retrieve weather data from online sources. The Nest Thermostat's ability to accurately display the outdoor temperature and forecast depends on the accuracy of the weather data it receives. If your Nest Thermostat is connected to the internet and has the correct location information, it should be able to provide accurate outdoor temperature and predicted temperatures for the day.

With that, double-check the location information set up in your Nest Thermostat. Make sure it accurately reflects your current location. You can verify and update this information through the Nest app or the thermostat's settings and ensure that your Nest Thermostat has a stable and reliable internet connection. Issues with your 5G internet service could potentially affect the Nest thermostat's ability to retrieve accurate weather data. Verify that your internet connection is working properly and consider restarting your router if needed.

As a side note, the placement of the Nest Thermostat on the wall in your dining room should not directly affect the accuracy of the outdoor temperature reading or the predicted temperatures for the day. The temperature reading displayed by the Nest Thermostat is typically based on the indoor temperature measured by its built-in sensors, not the outdoor temperature.

Thanks,

Zoe

[Northwoods51]

I appreciate the responses.

I have double-checked the location information set up in my Nest Thermostat.  It accurately reflects my current location. I verified it through the Nest app.  My Nest Thermostat has a stable and reliable internet connection. There do not seem to be general issues with my 5G internet service as I can stream TV services, my son can play video games, my laptops work fine.  I have verified that my internet connection is working properly and have restarted my Verizon 5G internet gateway.

In addition to the suggestions above, I have also restarted my Nest Thermostat, and I have also disconnected and re-connected my Nest app. 

The outdoor temperature reading is still considerably higher than reality.

[Northwoods51]

After resetting the nest thermo, and disconnecting/reconnecting WiFi, and then… disconnecting/reconnecting to my nest app on my phone (“Account Connection” setting under the RESET menu on the Nest thermo), the outdoor temperature reading and the three near-term predicted temps now seem to be in line with my home’s location.   I will see if this holds true for the next few days and report back.