How To Install Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation? (A Step-by-Step Guide)


Are you looking to upgrade the thermostat in your home? The Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is a great way to make your home smarter and more energy efficient.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to install the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation quickly and easily.

From selecting the right mounting bracket and screws to turning the power back on and starting the setup process, we’ll walk you through each step of the installation.

So let’s get started!

Short Answer

Installing the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is simple and straightforward.

First, turn off the power to your heating and cooling system.

Then, remove your old thermostat and connect the Nest to your system.

Use the included base plate as a template to mark the wall and drill the appropriate holes.

Finally, install the Nest base plate, mount the Nest, and reconnect the wires.

Once done, turn the power back on and you’re ready to begin using your new Nest thermostat.

Select the Right Mounting Bracket and Screws

When it comes to installing the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation, one of the most important steps is selecting the right mounting bracket and screws for your wall.

The ideal bracket and screws should be strong enough to hold the Nest firmly in place, yet still allow it to be removed easily if needed.

When selecting the right mounting bracket and screws, there are several factors to consider.

First, you should take into account the type of wall you have.

For example, if you have a plaster wall, you may need to use a toggle bolt to securely attach the Nest to the wall.

If you have a drywall, you may be able to get away with using a standard wood screw.

Next, you should consider the size of the Nest.

Most mounting brackets and screws are designed for standard-sized thermostats, so if youre installing a larger Nest, you may need to use a larger mounting bracket and screws.

The Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is slightly larger than a standard-sized thermostat, so you may need to find a bracket and screws that are specifically designed for larger thermostats.

Finally, you should make sure that the screws youre using are strong enough to hold the Nest securely in place.

Its important to choose a mounting bracket and screws that are specifically designed for the Nest, as this will ensure that the Nest is securely attached to the wall.

Once youve selected the right mounting bracket and screws for your wall, youre ready to proceed to the next step of the installation process.

Shut off the Power to Your Heating and Cooling System

Shutting off the power to your heating and cooling system is a critical step before you begin installing the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation.

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand.

You’ll need a flathead screwdriver to remove the old thermostat, a Phillips-head screwdriver to attach the mounting bracket to the wall, and a voltage detector to ensure that the power is off.

Once you have all the tools you need, the next step is to shut off the power to the heating and cooling system.

This can be done by either flipping the circuit breaker or unplugging the furnace.

Once the power is off, you can remove the old thermostat.

Carefully unscrew it from the wall and remove the wires.

Make sure to label each wire so you know where they go when you’re ready to install the Nest.

Once the old thermostat is removed, make sure the power is still off and then attach the mounting bracket to the wall.

This will provide a secure base for the Nest and ensure that it is properly aligned.

Once the bracket is in place, you can begin connecting the Nest’s wires to the correct terminals on your HVAC system.

Follow the instructions included with the Nest for the specific wiring setup.

When the wiring is complete, you can then secure the Nest to the wall.

Make sure to line up the base plate with the mounting bracket before tightening the screws.

Once the Nest is securely in place, you can turn the power back on and start the setup process.

With just a few simple steps, you can have a smarter and more energy-efficient home in no time.

Remove Your Old Thermostat

Before you can start installing your Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation, youll need to remove your old thermostat.

To do this, youll need to turn off the power to your heating and cooling system.

Depending on your system, you may need to flip a switch on the wall or switch off the circuit breaker.

Once the power is off, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the old thermostat to the wall.

Carefully pull the old thermostat off the wall, being careful not to damage any of the wires connected to it.

Make sure to keep track of which wires were connected to which terminals in the old thermostat, as youll need this information for the next step.

Connect the Nest’s Wires to the Appropriate Terminals

Connecting the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation’s wires to the appropriate terminals on your HVAC system is a crucial step in the installation process.

Before beginning, it’s important to make sure that all the wiring is correct and the power is off.

You’ll need to locate the terminals for the wires in the HVAC system and use the appropriate screws to secure the wires.

There are several types of wiring that can be used with the Nest Learning Thermostat, including common wire (C), 24-volt (R, W, Y), and low-voltage (G, L, W2).

The Nest Learning Thermostat comes with labels to help you identify which terminals the wires should be connected to.

You’ll want to make sure the Nest Learning Thermostat is connected to the same terminals as your old thermostat, or else the Nest Thermostat may not be able to detect the correct settings.

Once you’ve identified the appropriate terminals for the wires, you’ll need to unscrew them and remove the existing wires.

Be sure to keep the existing wires in a safe place in case you need them for the installation process.

After removing the existing wires, insert the Nest Learning Thermostat’s wires into the terminals and use the screws to secure them in place.

Make sure the wires are connected securely to prevent any potential problems in the future.

Once the wires have been connected to the appropriate terminals, you can move on to the next step in the installation process.

With a few simple steps, you can have your Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation up and running in no time.

Mount the Base Plate

Mounting the base plate of the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is an important step in the installation process.

Before you begin, make sure you have the correct mounting bracket and screws to fit your wall.

Once you have the proper mounting supplies, it is time to begin.

Start by shutting off the power to your heating and cooling system.

Then, take off your old thermostat and disconnect the wires.

Now, it is time to connect the Nests wires to the appropriate terminals on your HVAC system.

Make sure that you consult the wiring diagram that comes with the Nest to ensure that you connect the wires correctly.

Once the wires are connected, you can mount the base plate.

The base plate will serve as the foundation for the Nest and will attach to your wall.

It is important to use the correct mounting bracket and screws for your wall type.

Depending on your wall type, you may need to use the included drywall anchors or wall anchors.

Once the base plate is attached to the wall, secure the Nest to the wall.

The Nest should fit snugly into the base plate.

Once it is secured, you can turn the power back on and start the setup process.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

By following these simple steps, you can have your Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation up and running in no time.

You will be one step closer to having a smarter and more energy-efficient home.

Secure the Nest to the Wall

Once the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is connected to the appropriate terminals on your HVAC system, the next step is to secure the Nest to the wall.

This can be done by using the mounting screws that came with your Nest.

First, you will need to locate the correct mounting bracket and mounting screws for your wall. There are two types of mounting brackets: a plastic bracket and a metal bracket. The plastic bracket is designed for drywall and the metal bracket is designed for other materials such as wood, plaster, and concrete. Make sure to select the bracket and screws that are appropriate for the wall you will be mounting the Nest to.

Once the correct mounting bracket and screws are selected, you will need to use a drill and bit to make holes in the wall for the screws.

The holes should be at least 1 1/8″ deep.

If you are using a plastic bracket, it should be placed in the wall so that the screws are flush with the wall.

If you are using a metal bracket, it should be placed so that the screws are at least 1/4″ away from the wall.

Once the holes are drilled, you can use the screws to secure the Nest to the wall.

Make sure to tighten the screws firmly, but not too tight as this can damage the Nest.

Once the Nest is securely in place, you can turn the power back on and begin the setup process.

With a few simple steps, you can have a smarter and more energy-efficient home in no time.

Turn the Power Back On and Start the Setup Process

The final step for installing the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is to turn the power back on and start the setup process.

This is the most critical step in the installation process and should not be taken lightly.

Once the power is turned back on, the Nest will begin its initial setup and calibration process.

During this time, the Nest will detect the power source, HVAC system type, and the temperature of the room.

It will then adjust the settings accordingly to ensure that the home is as comfortable as possible.

It is important to remember to follow the on-screen instructions carefully during the setup process.

This will ensure that the Nest is calibrated correctly and that it will be able to provide the best possible performance.

Additionally, during the setup, the Nest will connect to the home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing it to be controlled remotely via the Nest app or website.

The Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation also comes with a few additional features, such as the ability to set a schedule, create temperature profiles for different rooms, and receive alerts when temperatures reach certain thresholds.

These features can all be activated and configured during the initial setup process.

Once the setup process is complete, the Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation will be ready to use.

With just a few simple steps, you can have a smarter and more energy-efficient home in no time.

Final Thoughts

Installing a Nest Learning Thermostat 2nd Generation is a simple process that can bring a smarter, more energy-efficient home to life.

With just a few steps, you can have a modern and stylish thermostat that will save you money and keep your home comfortable.

So, if you’re looking to upgrade your home’s thermostat, don’t wait any longer – get started on your Nest installation today!

James Lambert

Repairing and upgrading houses is a hobby that James Lambert is very dedicated to. Many of our more complex home improvement guides are written by him. His objective is to do repairs around the house in the most sensible and cheap manner possible.

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