Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (2024)

Use our interactive tool to tell if your system is compatible, and which Nest thermostat models will work with your system.

Start the Compatibility Checker

To learn more about heating and cooling systems including zoned, proprietary, dual fuel, and high voltage systems, read below for more information.

System types that are Nest-compatible

The table below summarizes systems that are generally compatible with Nest thermostats, however, you need to use the online Compatibility Checkerfor a definitive answer about what will work in your home.

Google Nest thermostats are designed to work with most 24 V systems. They work with all common fuel types including natural gas, oil, and electricity.

System types

Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest Thermostat E

Nest Thermostat
Heat only, cool only, or heat pump systems

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (1)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (2)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (3)

C wire or Nest Power Connectorrequired

Natural Gas, Oil, or Electric fuel types

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (4)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (5)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (6)

Single stage heating and/or cooling

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (7)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (8)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (9)

Heat only or cool only C wireor Nest Power Connector required

Single stage heating with two stages of cooling

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (10)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (11)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (12)

Two stages of heating with one stage of cooling

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (13)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (14)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (15)

Single stage heat pump with or without AUX heat

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (16)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (17)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (18)

C wire or Nest Power Connectorrequired

Single speed fan

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (19)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (20)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (21)

Single stage heat pump with separate single stage furnace heating (Dual fuel)1

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (22)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (23)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (24)

C wire or Nest Power Connectorrequired

Single stage heat pump with separate two stage furnace heating (Dual fuel)1

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (25)

Two stage heat pump with or without AUX heat

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (26)

Two stage heat pump with separate two stage furnace heating (Dual fuel)1, 2

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (27)

Humidifier* or dehumidifier1, 2

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (28)

Dual transformer systems1, 2

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (29)

Two stages of cooling and two or three stage furnace heating2

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (30)

Two or three speed fan1, 2

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (31)

PTAC systems2

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (32)

1Your system requires advanced configuration and wiring. If you have one of these systems, contact a local professional.

Important: Professional installation is recommended for some systems since their wiring and setup can be complicated. These include:

  • Dual fuel systems (heat pump with furnace)
  • Dual transformer systems (Systems that have more than one R wire)
  • Whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers (compatible with Nest Learning Thermostat only)

2 Nest thermostat can only support one of these systems at a time.

Compatibility with zoned systems

Nest thermostats are compatible with zoned systems, including zoned systems with dampers. However, there are some zoned systems that require a C wire to work with a Nest thermostat.

How the Nest thermostat works with zoned systems

About the Nest thermostat’s star connector

Nest thermostats also have a star connector * that offers you some flexibility to install specialized systems.

The Nest Learning Thermostat’s * connector lets you install a humidifier, a dehumidifier, emergency heat, multiple fan speeds, or a 3rd stage of heating.

The Nest Thermostat E’s * or OB connector lets you install a heat pump, a second stage of heating, or a second stage of cooling.

Learn more about the star connector

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (33)

Systems that are incompatible with Nest thermostats

While most 24 V heating and cooling systems are compatible with Nest thermostats, there are some systems that aren’t compatible. You can quickly tell if you have one of these systems without having to use the Compatibility Checker or to look at your thermostat’s wiring.

If you have one of the system types below, it won’t work with a Nest thermostat.

Proprietary systems

  • If you findwires in your thermostat’s connector that have non-standard labels (for instance 1,2,3, or A, B, C), your system is proprietary.
  • If your system only has two wires, but you have both heating and cooling, your system is likely proprietary.

Proprietary systems aren’t compatible with Google Nest thermostats. However, some proprietary systems can be rewired by a pro installer to be compatible.

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (34)

Millivolt heaters

  • Millivolt systems are typically wall heaters or floor heaters and use electricity or natural gas. These systems use much less electricity than low voltage systems and can't deliver the right amount of power to Nest thermostats.
Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (35)

High voltage systems

  • High voltage systems are usually electric baseboard heating systems or other radiant systems powered by electricity.
  • High voltage thermostats are often built into the wall and typically have 2 to 4 thick wires coming out of the thermostat. Wire nuts are often used to connect the thermostat to the system wires.
  • High voltage thermostats are usually labeled 110, 115, 120 or 240 VAC.Note: In some cases, it is possible to make a high voltage system Nest-compatible. Contact a local professionaland have them install a step down transformer to 20 - 30 V.
  • High voltage thermostats should only be installed or uninstalled by a professional due to the high voltage that they carry.

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (36)

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (37)

Solid fuel systems

  • Systemsthat use coal, wood chips, pellets, anthracite, or other biomass materials are typically incompatible with Nest thermostats.
Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (38)

Wired remote sensors

Remote sensor wires are typically used to give your thermostat outside weather data. These wires can’t be connected to Nest thermostats. But Nest thermostats don’t need wired sensors since they get weather information over Wi-Fi.Even if your system has sensor wires, it may be Nest-compatible.

Micro-controller based systems

Systems that use micro-controllers instead of relays are sometimes more sensitive to power sharing. If you have a micro-controller based system, your Nest thermostat may need a C wireor Nest Power Connector to be compatible with these systems.

Zone relay or control panels

Some systems have control panels or equipment interface modules that require a C wire to be compatible with Nest thermostat.

Incompatible system wiring

Too many stages of cooling or heating

  • Nest Learning Thermostats are only compatible with systems that have one or two stages of cooling.
  • The Nest Thermostat E is only compatible with one stage of heating, one stage of cooling, and an additional stage of either heating or cooling.

International systems

  • Some international systems, such as Buderus boilers, have dry contacts or other incompatible wiring. These systems may require relay panels in order to be installed with standard American or Canadian thermostat wiring.

Heat pumps with L wires

  • L wires are typically used to show system status, like emergency heatbeing on. Nest thermostats can work with systems that use Service Light (L) wires. While L wires can't be connected to the Nest thermostat, it doesn't need them. The Nest thermostat and Nest app will show you system status information without connecting L wires.

Dual fuel systems

A dual fuel heating and cooling system (also called a hybrid or packaged system) is a combination of a heat pump for primary heating and cooling, and a furnace (usually gas or oil) that provides a second and/or third stage of heating.

Nest thermostats are compatible with these systems and support up to 2 alternate heat sources.

You have a dual fuel system if you have a furnace inside of your home, and a heat pump on the outside of your home. Heat pumps look similar to air conditioners, so check the label on your outdoor unit to make sure it’s a heat pump. If you’re still not sure which system you have, contact a local HVAC professional.

If you have a dual fuel system, you will need to have a trained professional set up your thermostat.It’s important fora professionalto assess the requirements for your specific dual fuel configuration since choosing incorrect options for a dual fuel system can result in damage to your system. Contact a local HVAC professional.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

Post to the help community Get answers from community members Contact us Tell us more and we’ll help you get there

Have a question?

Get an answer from an expert on the Google Home Help Forum.

Nest thermostat compatibility - Google Nest Help (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 6192

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.