Which Nest thermostat is best?

Smart thermostats are one of the best ways to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while simultaneously saving money on your energy bill every month. Without a doubt, Google Nest devices lead the pack when it comes to overall functionality, and many would say aesthetics as well.

If looking for the most advanced functionality and the highest level of compatibility with various HVAC units, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation should be your go-to choice. It offers machine learning and boasts the company’s Farsight feature that automatically lights up when it detects you in the room. Also, it comes in several metallic finishes that give it a sleek look.

What to know before you buy a Nest thermostat

Nest thermostats can save you money

Many people buy Nest thermostats simply for their convenience. They integrate with Alexa for voice control and also operate remotely via the associated application. There is another excellent reason for buying a Nest thermostat, though, and that is they can save you money.

Based on reports published by Google, installing a Nest thermostat in the home saves consumers an average of 15% on their cooling bills and 10-12% on their heating bills. If you prefer to get your information from unbiased third parties, you’ll be interested to learn that many actual users say they save from $10-$20 a month.

Nest thermostats accomplish this in several ways, including scheduling, machine learning, HVAC monitoring and geofencing. You can also improve your Nest’s ability to save you money by adding sensors in different rooms of your home.

Energy usage reports

Nests tracks your HVAC system’s energy use and produce a monthly report. The report shows metrics, including how much the system runs, how energy use compares month-to-month, the impact of weather on energy use and more. With this information, you’ll be more aware of your energy usage, so it will be easier to make informed decisions that can save you additional money on your heating and cooling bills.

Compatibility

Nest thermostats are compatible with most HVAC systems, but not all. The few systems that are not compatible include proprietary and high-voltage systems, millivolt heaters, microcontroller systems that lack a C-wire and solid-fuel systems. They may also not work with systems that use wired remote sensors. A complete list of compatible systems is available on the company’s support website.

Features to look for in a Nest thermostat

Machine learning

The Nest Learning and Nest E models have a machine learning feature that will automatically create a custom schedule based on your usage habits. Use the associated app to adjust the temperature as needed. Over time, the thermostat learns household preferences, removing the need for manual adjustments. This feature is the default setting, but you can turn it off.

Scheduling

The basic Nest Thermostat, the company’s most affordable model, doesn’t have machine learning. However, it can still save you money through the use of its scheduling feature. During the initial setup, it prompts the user to set a heating and cooling schedule manually. Alternatively, users can use the Quick Schedule feature, which creates a program based on the national average’s most efficient schedule.

Display

Your Nest thermostat may have a frosted mirror display that blends in with the outer ring or a high-resolution color display, depending on your chosen model. Both feature easy-to-read digits, but the high-resolution color display also boasts Farsight, which allows it to automatically light up and show the time, current temperature, target temperature and weather when it detects you across the room.

Housing color and material

Most nest thermostats come in several colors so that you can match them to the decor of your home. Depending on the model you choose, it may have a metal ring around the exterior or an all-plastic housing.

How much does a Nest thermostat cost?

Nest thermostats cost $100-$250, but you can find more expensive packages bundled with up to three remote sensors.

Nest thermostat FAQ

Are Nest thermostats difficult to install?

A. Most people will find the Nest thermostat relatively easy to install in 30 minutes or less as long as you already have all of the existing wiring. If you need to install new wiring and aren’t familiar with electrical work, it may be better to hire a professional.

Do Nest thermostats work without Wi-Fi?

A. A Nest thermostat can function without an internet connection, but functionality is limited to the programmable, nonsmart thermostat.

What is the best Nest thermostat to buy?

Top Nest thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation

What you need to know: Google’s most advanced model, the Nest Learning 4th Generation, includes tons of features that save money without sacrificing comfort.

What you’ll love: It has a premium look with its bright, high-resolution display and a metallic ring available in several finishes. Also, it offers the Farsight feature so you can easily see the current temperature and other pertinent information from across the room.

What you should consider: It tends to stand out noticeably on a wall rather than blend in with it.

Top Nest thermostat for the money

Google Nest Thermostat

What you need to know: The affordable price of the basic Nest Thermostat makes it a good choice for those on a tight budget who still want to give their HVAC smart functionality.

What you’ll love: You can manually program it with a custom schedule that fits your lifestyle, and the mirrored display gives it a discreet look that blends into walls well.

What you should consider: It isn’t compatible with as many HVAC systems as other models.

Worth checking out

Google Nest Thermostat E

What you need to know: Other than Farsight, The Nest Thermostat E offers nearly all the same functionality as the Nest Learning 4th Generation but at a lower price.

What you’ll love: It automatically adjusts itself to an eco-friendly temperature when you leave the house, and it notifies you with a leaf logo when you have manually chosen an energy-saving temperature.

What you should consider: It only comes in white.

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Which dog crates are best?

Having a safe and comfortable place to retreat to when you feel tired or stressed is a must for everyone, even your dog. A crate can provide your pup with their own private spot to relax when they’re afraid or need some down time. Additionally, crates are an invaluable tool when potty training your puppy or when they’re still learning what not to chew.

Some crates are perfect for traveling with your pet, and others are built into furniture to be less disruptive to your home’s interior design. Midwest Homes for Pets Life Stages Folding Metal Crate is easy to assemble and it folds down for storage.

What to know before you buy a dog crate

Size

Dogs come in all different sizes, and so do their crates. It feels natural to select a large crate for your dog, but smaller spaces actually make them feel more secure. You want the crate to be large enough for your dog to comfortably stand, lie down, sit and turn around. To translate this concept into inches, measure your dog from their nose to the base of their tail and from the floor to the top of their head when sitting. Add 2-4 inches to these measurements, and these are the approximate dimensions on the proper kennel size for your dog.

Open vs. closed sides

Some dog crates, like those made from wire, have open sides. A crate with open sides is better for airflow, which is important if you live somewhere hot or your dog’s crate is used outside. This type of crate can keep your dog cool and allow you to keep a closer eye on them.

Crates with enclosed sides make for a cozy, warm place for your dog to relax. If there’s a draft where you place the dog crate, enclosed sides can protect your dog. Enclosed sides can also give your dog a stronger sense of security while inside their crate. If you’re traveling with a dog in a crate, this can help them feel less exposed. You can achieve an enclosed effect with an open-sided crate by placing a blanket over it when it’s cold or at night.

Escape-proof

If you’re purchasing a crate for your dog to keep them safe while you’re gone, it’s important to consider how easy it is for them to escape the crate you’ve chosen. Dogs most often escape by chewing, manipulating the locking mechanism or using force to bend a hole large enough for them to slip out.

A dog determined to get out can easily chew through fabric crates used for travel. Dogs can also chew flimsy connecting parts that lead to the crate falling apart. A bored dog can figure out how to open latches in a surprisingly limited amount of time. While having a secure crate is important, the easiest way to prevent your dog from trying to escape is to make sure they’re crate-trained and not left for too long inside it.

What to look for in a quality dog crate

Material

Plastic: Plastic dog crates are usually solid on the sides and the back with a wire door on the front. These dog crates are lightweight and may have a handle attached on the top for travel. To clean a plastic crate, simply spray it down with a hose. The enclosed sides make your dog feel safe and secure but can lead to a hotter internal temperature because there’s less airflow. These types of crates are popular for use in the car or when flying with your dog.

Wire: Wire dog crates are a smart choice for use inside the home. They have excellent airflow to keep your dog cool if you live in a hot climate. Most have a removable plastic tray in the bottom that makes for easy cleaning. They’re often adjustable, and you can section them off to accommodate your dog’s growth. Many are foldable, which makes them easy to transport, except that the metal wiring can be heavy. Some nervous dogs might not like the open sides because it makes them feel exposed.

Fabric: If you’re looking for the easiest crate to travel with, a fabric crate is the way to go. These crates are extremely lightweight, foldable and may come with straps or a storage bag. With their soft construction material, fabric crates can be more comfortable for your dog to lounge in. If your dog is an escape artist, fabric crates aren’t the right choice since they’re easily chewed through. They’re also much more difficult to keep clean than plastic or wire crates.

How much you can expect to spend on a dog crate

The price of a dog crate has a lot to do with the size you purchase. If you have a smaller dog, you can expect to spend between $20 for a wire crate and $50 for a fabric crate. For larger dogs, you can expect to spend $100-$150.

Dog crate FAQ

How long can my dog stay in a crate?

A. Adult dogs can be in their crate for 6-8 hours. However, according to PetMD, if you’re going to crate your pet all day while you’re at work, you really shouldn’t expect them to be in the crate all night too. Puppies can only stay in a crate for 2-4 hours at a time, as they can’t hold it as long.

How do I crate train my dog?

A. Crate training can take up to 6 months and requires patience and persistence. It involves slowly getting your dog used to their crate with positive reinforcement.

What’s the best dog crate to buy?

Top dog crate

Midwest Homes for Pets Life Stages Folding Metal Crate

What you need to know: This is a rugged, well-made crate that collapses for easy storage.

What you’ll love: This crate comes in six different sizes and can be set up without any extra tools. The bolt and latch system is tamper-free, and the crate comes with a 1-year warranty.

What you should consider: This crate is heavier than other similar models.

Top dog crate for the money

Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel

What you need to know: A great crate for dogs under 20 pounds, this crate has a top latch to allow you to pet or soothe your dog.

What you’ll love: This is a well-constructed dog crate with solid plastic sides and two doors. It’s available in two different sizes and three different colors.

What you should consider: The assembly might be difficult, and some reviews note discrepancies in the listed dimensions.

Worth checking out

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel

What you need to know: This dog crate is a good choice for a pet owner who wants something versatile.

What you’ll love: This crate is perfect for air travel, as it meets most airline carriers’ requested specifications, and for at-home training. It’s made of durable recycled plastic and has a wire door.

What you should consider: Putting this crate together and taking it apart is difficult.

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Detroit defenseman Simon Edvinsson scored goals in the second and third periods as the Minnesota Wild built an early lead then saw it slip away versus a revenge-minded Red Wings team.

With the Wild up by two, Detroit got a pair of quick goals in the middle period, then Edvinsson’s seeing-eye shot through traffic was the eventual game-winner in Detroit’s 3-2 victory. After Minnesota had won on the Red Wings’ home rink on Saturday, the teams split their season series.

Marco Rossi and Jakub Lauko scored first-period goals for Minnesota, which has been a .500 team at Xcel Energy Center this season while sporting the NHL’s best road record. The Wild had won two in a row at home prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off break, but fell to 13-13-1 at home with their latest loss.

The Wild got 13 saves from Filip Gustavsson, as he fell to 22-13-3 as the goalie of record this season.

For the Red Wings, they mounted a furious comeback after falling behind. Goalie Cam Talbot had 22 saves for Detroit, which has been one of the Eastern Conference’s hottest teams following a midseason coaching change. They are making a push for their first playoff appearance since 2016.

Minnesota saw its three-game winning streak snapped.

After winning despite playing from behind in their final game before the 4 Nations break, and in their first game back in action on Saturday, the Wild took a different approach on Tuesday, jumping out to a 2-0 lead via strong special teams and opportunistic offense.

Detroit missed a golden opportunity to take the crowd out of the game early when Marco Kasper clanked the right goalpost behind Gustavsson, and the Wings had an early lead in shots. Then they took a penalty for delay of game, and the Wild pounced.

On the ensuing man advantage, Matt Boldy got a long shot through to Talbot, who made a pad save but couldn’t control the rebound. Rossi, posted just outside the crease, got two whacks at the puck and slid the second one over the line, extending his goal-scoring streak to three games.

In the opposite crease, Gustavsson had a stellar first period with 10 saves, including two on point-blank attempts.

Minnesota came within inches of extending its lead on a power play early in the second, but Talbot denied Vinnie Hinostroza on the doorstep.

And then in what seemed like the blink of an eye, although in reality it took three minutes, Detroit tied the game on goals by Vladimir Tarasenko and Edvinsson. The latter came via a bomb of a slap shot from the blue line that fooled Gustavsson.

Lauko, who has had an injury-plagued season and was back in the lineup after missing the previous three games, doubled the lead with a soft shot that slipped between Talbot’s skates. It was the third goal of the season for Lauko, who has missed 24 games due to injury.

One leftover from the first game of this two-game home-and-home series versus the Red Wings was Detroit announcing that center Andrew Copp was out for the season, and likely to miss four to six months after having surgery to repair a torn pectoral tendon.

Late in the second period of the Wild’s 4-3 overtime win at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Wild defenseman Brock Faber was dropped by a hard but clean check from Wings forward Alex DeBrincat, which touched off a scuffle. Copp came in hard and delivered a forearm to the head of Boldy, injuring himself in the process.

The Wild will close out February with a trip to the mountains, facing Utah on Thursday and Colorado on Friday in back-to-back road games.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot (39) blocks a shot during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) and defenseman Brock Faber (7) defend against a shot by Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson stops a shot by Detroit Red Wings left wing Lucas Raymond (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Gophers versus Northwestern on Tuesday essentially served as a play-in game for the Big Ten Conference men’s basketball tournament.

With only three regular-season games left, Minnesota needed to beat the Wildcats and help avoid finishing in the bottom three teams, which will be excluded from the conference tourney in mid-March.

The Gophers weren’t desperate enough in their most-winnable game down the stretch and lost 75-63 at Williams Arena.

The Gophers (14-14, 6-11 Big Ten) fell to 2-7 in Big Ten home games this season and will be underdogs against Nebraska, Wisconsin and likely at Rutgers to end the regular season.

A week ago, Minnesota was coming off wins over Southern California and UCLA. With how condensed the standings were, it looked possible for the U to not only make the 15-team tournament field but possible get a bye. Then they lost to last-place Penn State and the Wildcats.

Northwestern (15-13, 6-11) is going in the opposite direction, with two wins in a row, including a 70-49 beatdown of Ohio State on Thursday.

Northwestern is a heavy screening team, and Minnesota didn’t fight enough to go through and around the picks in the first half. The second half started the same way.

On the first defensive possession, Lu’Cye Patterson didn’t make it through two screens, giving Jordan Clayton space to knock down a 3-pointer.

The Wildcats’ best player, Nick Martinelli, extended his lead over Dawson Garcia in a battle (with others) for the Big Ten scoring title.

Martinelli, who is putting up 19.7 per contest, finished with 29 points. The junior forward had two 3-point plays to help keep the lead in the double digits midway though the second half.

Garcia, who is averaging 19.4 per game, put up 26 on 3 of 7 shooting behind the arc. His teammates were a combined 2 for 11 from deep.

The Wildcats have also overcome serious injuries, with two key players being lost to season-ending injuries in the past three weeks: second-leading scorer Brooks Barnhizer (knee) and third-leading scorer Jalen Leach (knee).

The Gophers’ start on Tuesday was ugly, with three turnovers in their opening four possessions. Northwestern capitalized with a 10-0 burst in the first two-plus minutes.

Minnesota used an 8-0 run to help eventually tie the game 21-21. Garcia hit two 3-pointers to bring the U back.

But it was Northwestern’s 3-point shooting — three more makes than the U in the opening 20 minutes, contributing to a 36-31 halftime lead.

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