A Google Nest Thermostat
The Google Nest Smart Home system has partnered with Handy, an online marketplace for home services, to develop an integrated HVAC issue detection system.
Google began testing on the new thermostat feature for the Nest system on Jan. 29. The feature is designed to alert users to some HVAC issues via an email, as well as providing an additional link to a website where the user can make an appointment with an HVAC technician if necessary.
“With this new feature, Nest is learning how to identify unusual patterns related to your HVAC system, and can alert you to a variety of potential issues,” explained Jeff Gleeson, product manager for Google Nest, in a company release.
Nest will learn to detect potential HVAC issues by monitoring the system’s patterns, historical data and current weather. For instance, if it’s taking longer than normal to heat your home, there might be a problem with your heating system—even if you haven’t noticed anything. There will be issues that your thermostat won’t catch—but over time and through your feedback, Nest thermostats will get smarter and better at detecting more and more possible problems.
“Most of us don’t have an HVAC pro on speed dial,” Gleeson said. “So we’re also testing out the ability to help customers connect with a professional who can help, starting in select cities.”
The Handy-integrated platform will connect Nest users with HVAC professionals to make troubleshooting potential system issues easier for the customer. Booking through Handy will initially be available in upwards of 20 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego. Google plans to expand to additional regions throughout the testing period.
