Skip to main content

Nest launches new Learning Thermostat designed specifically for UK households

Check out our full written Nest Thermostat review.

Hot on the heels of its recent 3.2 billion dollar acquisition by Google, Nest is already expanding into new markets in other parts of the globe. Today, the company is launching it’s infamous (and somewhat controversial) Learning Thermostat in the UK — the first market for the device outside of North America.

Recommended Videos

But making the jump across the pond wasn’t quite as easy as you’d think. There’s a reason this launch comes nearly three full years after Nest debuted in the states. In order to work in the UK, Nest had to rework the thermostat to comply with completely different voltages that those in the US — not to mention different home heating infrastructures. Unlike the  “forced air” systems widely used in the US, UK households typically employ “radiant” systems, which in Britain mostly means gas boilers that run heated water through pipes and into radiators. This required Nest to build an entirely new device –called Heat Link– which sits between the thermostat and the boiler, and controls the latter.

And that’s not all they had to change either. In addition to accommodating the UK’s different voltage requirements and infrastructure, Nest also had to overcome a number of regulatory hurdles before it could sell to the UK. In the US, Learning Thermostats were basically ready to go straight out of the box, but in the UK, users will need to have the devices professionally installed. For this reason, Nest had to train a network of tradespeople who can help users get company’s high-tech thermostats up and running in their homes.

It definitely took some extra effort, but now that all the groundwork has been laid, Nest has a solid foothold from which to push into other European markets — ones that are similar to the UK in terms of home heating architecture and consumer preferences.

The new thermostats will sell for £179 for hardware-only, or £249 with installation included. Find out more here.

[image via Cnet]

Drew Prindle
Former Senior Editor, Features
Drew Prindle is an award-winning writer, editor, and storyteller who currently serves as Senior Features Editor for Digital…
It looks like big changes are coming to the Nest Learning Thermostat
The leaked Nest Learning Thermostat

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the best smart thermostats on the market -- and it looks like it might be getting a massive overhaul later this year. Images leaked on X (formerly Twitter) show off a device with a borderless design, customizable home screen, and a new feature known as "Dynamic Farsight."

While nothing official has been announced by Google, these images and documents appear to be legit. And with the Made by Google event arriving on August 13, there's a very real possibility Google will give the next-gen Nest Thermostat a proper reveal in the coming weeks.

Read more
How to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

A big appeal of the Nest Learning Thermostat is that it's smart enough to help curate a temperature schedule that keeps you comfortable and saves you money. It does this by automatically changing your thermostat settings as needed – and while it's an incredible feature, it's not perfect for everyone.

Read more
Google’s Nest Learning Smart Thermostat is $70 off for Memorial Day
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

Best Buy has some fantastic Nest thermostat deals this Memorial Day with $70 off the Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat. Normally priced at $250, it’s down to $180 for a limited time making now the perfect time to upgrade your smart home for less. If you’re keen to know more, keep reading and we’ll tell you all about the wonders of the Google Nest Learning Smart Thermostat.

Buy Now

Read more