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Test your system with a Nest thermostat

You should test after you install a Google Nest thermostat to make sure it’s connected and controlling your system as it should. You can also run a system test if you need to diagnose a problem. It can also help you catch incorrect wiring, blown fuses and other problems.

This article applies to all Google Nest thermostat models.

How to tell which thermostat you have

Test your system during thermostat setup

Note: You can only test your system during setup of the Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat. Otherwise, you can test the system with any Nest thermostat model after setup.

During setup, you’ll have the option to test your system
with your thermostat.

First, you’ll connect your thermostat to Wi-Fi and enter
your ZIP or postal code. Once these steps are done,
your thermostat will connect to an Internet-based
weather service and use the current local temperature to
determine if it’s too hot or cold to test your system. If so,
it will tell you to test your system later

Note: When the weather becomes more temperate,
you can test heating or cooling by going to Settings Nest settings icon
  Equipment.

System test now

If the weather is okay to test during setup, your thermostat will automatically guide you through each step. 

  1. Choose Test Now when you see it on the thermostat screen. 
  2. Depending on your region and system, you can choose a specific system function to test such as: Heating, Cooling, or Fan. Select Continue to go back to the Equipment menu.
    • Note: If your system doesn’t have one of these options, it will not show up on your thermostat.
  3. Your thermostat will tell you what to look for during the test. For example, if it says “Radiators should be warming up,” go and feel if the radiators are getting warm.

    Note: Depending on your system, you may have to wait 30 minutes or more for a noticeable temperature change. In-floor radiant systems in particular can take a while to warm up. Select Continue Testing to keep running the test if you have a system that’s slow to warm or cool.
     
  4. Select Done if your system responds to the test correctly.

    Note: You can also select Troubleshoot if there’s a problem. For instance, if you see an error message on your thermostat that begins with T (such as T03), go to our Troubleshoot system test errors article for help diagnosing the issue.

Test your system after setup

It's a good idea to test your system before the seasons change and you have to rely on heating or cooling for that season.

You should test heating on a cool day at the end of the summer to make sure it's working before that first cold snap hits. In the spring, you should test cooling on a warm day before the first heat wave hits.

That way, you'll know that your system is in good shape. Additionally, if something is wrong, you won't have to wait for an appointment with a professional who's fully booked when everyone turns on cooling or heating for the first time during the hot or cold season.

You can test your system anytime after the initial setup.

Nest Thermostat

Nest Thermostat 3/4ths view

  1. Bring up the Menu View and and select Mode Heat Cool mode.
  2. Pick the system component you want to test: Cool, Heat, or Fan.
  3. For heating, turn up the target temperature until it turns orange. For cooling, turn it down until it turns blue. 
  4. Wait about 5 minutes and check the air coming from the vents, radiators, or whatever your system uses. If you have a system that takes a long time to warm or cool, such as an in-floor radiant system, you may have to wait 30 minutes or more for a noticeable temperature change.

Note: If it’s too hot or cold to test your system, your thermostat may prevent you from testing a mode. This is to help prevent damage to your system. For example, you might not be able to test heating on a hot summer day. When the weather becomes more temperate, you can try to test again.

Nest Thermostat E or Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest thermostat e heating

  1. On the Quick View Menu, choose Settings Nest settings icon.
  2. Go to Equipment. You'll see the wires that your thermostat has detected. 
  3. Select Continue.
  4. Next you'll see the system components that you can test. Select Test to begin testing.
    • You can choose a specific system function to test such as: Heating, Cooling, or Fan. If your system doesn’t have one of these options, you won’t see it.
    • If it’s too hot or cold to test your system, you’ll see a message letting you know. When the weather becomes more temperate, you can try to test again.
  5. The thermostat will tell you what to look for during the test. For instance, if it tells you “Radiators should be warming up,” go and feel if the radiators are getting warm.

Note: Depending on your system, you may have to wait 30 minutes or more for a noticeable temperature change. In-floor radiant systems in particular can take a while to warm up. Select Continue Testing if needed to keep running the test if you have a system that’s slow to warm or cool.

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