Nest Learning Thermostat
$249
The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and programs itself to help save energy. It offers remote control via a smartphone app and integrates with other smart home devices.

Our take
A smart choice for saving energy at home.
Alright, so I've been checking out this Nest Learning Thermostat, and I've got a few thoughts. This thing is sleek, no doubt about it. It's got this modern look that feels like it belongs in a smart home, not just any home. The installation is pretty straightforward, especially if you're even a little bit handy, but if you're not, you might need a little help. The cool part is that it learns your schedule after a week, which is honestly pretty neat. But, and here's the kicker, it sometimes takes a while to get the hang of your routine, so you might need to tweak it a bit here and there. It's not magic, but close enough.
Now, the energy-saving stuff is where it tries to shine. Nest says it can save you a bunch on your heating and cooling bills, and while that's probably true to some extent, don't expect miracles. If you're already energy-conscious, the savings might not be as huge as you'd hope. But if you're coming from a dumb thermostat, you'll likely see some difference. The app is handy, letting you adjust the temp from anywhere, which is a nice touch when you're out and realize you left the heat cranked up.
One gripe I have is with the price. This thing ain't cheap, and while it does pack in a lot of features, you have to ask yourself if it's worth the cost for your particular setup. If you're not into gadgets or tech doesn't interest you much, it might not seem worth the investment. But if you're all about having the latest tech in your home, it could be right up your alley. It's a tradeoff between cost and convenience, like most tech these days.
Now, onto the whole "learning" part. As I mentioned, it does pick up on your habits, but it's not always perfect. There were times it adjusted the temperature when I didn't want it to, which was a little frustrating. Luckily, you can override it pretty easily, but it's something to keep in mind. It's like a well-meaning friend who sometimes gets things wrong, but you still appreciate the effort.
Overall, if you're into smart home stuff and don't mind spending a bit for the convenience and cool factor, the Nest Learning Thermostat is worth considering. It's not without its quirks, but it does make life a bit easier and can save you some money in the long run. Just keep your expectations in check, and you'll probably be pretty happy with it. If nothing else, you'll have a conversation starter on your wall the next time friends come over.
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