Switching Heat Fuel Source: Nest Thermostat Guide

If you want to change the heat fuel source on your Nest thermostat, you can do so by following these steps: tap 'Favourites' or 'Devices', touch and hold the thermostat's tile, tap 'Thermostat Heat Configuration', and then tap the type of heat your system uses. However, it is important to note that this can only be done on the thermostat itself, not through the app. During the initial setup, the Nest thermostat will ask what type of system you have and the type of fuel it uses. It is important to enter the correct system information during this setup. If you make a mistake, your Nest thermostat won't control your system correctly, and you may need to do a factory reset and reconfigure the settings.

Changing the fuel source on the Nest app

• Access the Settings: On your mobile device, open the Nest app and navigate to the "Settings" option. This is usually found by tapping the menu icon in the top-left or bottom-right corner of the screen.
• Select Your Thermostat: In the Settings menu, locate and select your Nest thermostat from the list of devices. You may need to tap "Devices" first, depending on your app version.
• Choose "Heat Configuration": After selecting your thermostat, look for the "Heat Configuration" or "Thermostat Heat Configuration" option. This is where you can adjust the fuel source settings.
• Tap and Hold the Thermostat Tile: According to Nest support, you need to tap and hold your thermostat's tile to access the fuel source settings. This will bring up additional options related to your heating system.
• Select the Fuel Type: Once you're in the Heat Configuration menu, you'll see the available fuel types, such as gas, electric, or dual fuel. Select the appropriate fuel type for your heating system.
• Confirm the Changes: After selecting the correct fuel type, confirm your changes by exiting the menu. Your Nest thermostat will now use the new fuel source setting to control your heating system.

It's important to note that the app method may not work for all Nest models. Some users have reported that they were only able to change the fuel source directly on the thermostat itself. If you encounter issues with the app, try adjusting the settings on the physical thermostat. Additionally, ensure that your heating system is compatible with Nest thermostats before proceeding.

Changing the fuel source on the Nest device

To change the fuel source on your Nest device, follow these steps:

• Tap "Favorites" or "Devices."
• Touch and hold your thermostat's tile.
• Tap "Thermostat Heat Configuration."
• Tap the type of heat your system uses (e.g., gas or electric).

Note that you can only change the fuel source on the thermostat itself; this setting cannot be changed through the app. Additionally, the option to change the fuel source may be greyed out in the app. If this is the case, you may need to perform a factory reset on the unit and set it up again.

It's worth mentioning that the heat type setting is not just for documentation. It affects the function of the system. For example, with electric set as the heat source, the fan is activated with heat. In many furnaces, this means the fan runs at a different speed, and cold air may blow before the heating element has heated up. With a gas furnace, on the other hand, the fan operation is usually handled by the furnace, which waits to turn on the fan until after the burner has been running for a period of time.

How to tell what kind of heating system you have

It is important to know what type of heating system you have so that you can correctly maintain it, extend its lifetime, and potentially lower your monthly heating costs. Here are some common heating systems to help you identify which one you have:

Forced Air Systems

Forced air systems, or furnaces, are the most common heating systems found in homes. They heat air using gas, electricity, propane, or oil, and then distribute it throughout the home using ductwork and vents. Furnaces are typically located in the basement, attic, crawl space, or closet.

Heat Pumps and Geothermal Heating Systems

Heat pumps are commonly found in moderate climates and use electricity to move heat through ducts in your house. They are split into two components, with one piece being inside and the other outside. Geothermal heat pumps are energy-efficient, quiet, and have no harmful emissions as they use the temperature of the earth to heat or cool your home.

Boiler Heating Systems

Boilers convert water to steam, which then heats your home using baseboard radiators or "radiant" floor heating. Like furnaces, boilers typically use fuel such as gas, electricity, propane, or oil. In addition to generating heat, boilers may also provide heated water.

Radiator Heating Systems

Radiators are usually found in older homes and are sealed metal containers. They often work with a boiler to heat the home, although some contain electric coils. Steam from the boiler circulates to the radiator, where the metal heats up and radiates throughout the room.

Package Units Heating Systems

These systems include both heating and air conditioning units and are often installed on the roof or on a slab next to the house. They use gas or electricity to heat and cool the home and distribute air through ductwork connected through the roof or exterior wall.

How to Identify Your Heating System

• Check the front of your heating unit: If you can see a blue flame through a small window, it is likely a gas heating unit. Electric units do not have windows.
• Inspect the outdoor unit: Look for a metal plate that lists the model number and other information. If it does not specify the type of unit, search the brand name and model number online.
• Adjust your thermostat: Turn your thermostat to "Heat" mode and adjust the temperature until the heating cycle is triggered. If the outdoor unit is on and blowing air, it is likely a heat pump.

The impact of the fuel type setting on the system's function

The fuel type setting on a Nest thermostat has a significant impact on the system's functionality. It is crucial to select the correct fuel type during the initial setup to ensure the thermostat operates as intended. If the wrong fuel type is chosen, the Nest thermostat may not control the heating system accurately, leading to potential issues such as the system not turning on or off at the desired temperatures.

For instance, if the fuel type is set to gas, the thermostat will operate differently than if it were set to electricity. In a gas furnace, the fan operation is typically managed by the furnace itself, which waits for the burner to run for a certain period before turning on the fan. On the other hand, an electric furnace may activate the fan as soon as heat is required, resulting in the fan running at a different speed and potentially blowing cold air until the heating element warms up.

The fuel type setting also determines the compatibility of the Nest thermostat with the heating system. Some systems, such as high-voltage electric baseboard heaters, are not compatible with Nest thermostats. In such cases, a step-down transformer may be required to make the system compatible. Additionally, systems that use fuel sources other than natural gas, oil, or electricity, such as coal, wood chips, or pellets, are generally incompatible with Nest thermostats.

It is important to note that the fuel type setting cannot be changed through the app and must be adjusted on the thermostat device itself. If the fuel type needs to be changed after the initial setup, a factory reset may be required, and the setup process must be completed again, ensuring the correct fuel type is selected.

How to change from dual to single fuel

To change from dual to single fuel on your Nest Thermostat, you must first determine your heating system. Your Nest Thermostat needs to know what kind of heating system you have to control it correctly.

During the initial setup, your thermostat will ask what type of system you have and the type of fuel it uses. It is important to enter the correct information during this step. If you make a mistake, your Nest thermostat won't control your system correctly.

If you need to change your heating type, follow these steps:

• Tap "Favorites" or "Devices."
• Touch and hold your thermostat's tile.
• Tap "Thermostat Heat Configuration."
• Tap the type of heat your system uses.

Note that you can only change the heat fuel type on the thermostat itself and not through the app.

If you are having trouble changing the heat source, you can try performing a factory reset on the unit and adding it back into the system. Alternatively, you can refer to the Nest thermostat compatibility checker to ensure your equipment is compatible with Nest thermostats.

Frequently asked questions