Installing Nest Cost

In this guide we'll reveal all you need to know about the types of Google Nest technology on offer and all the cost factors involved, including electrician fees.

How Much Does Installing Nest Cost?

Nest created smart thermostats and gadgets that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or tablet. Nest is a division of Google's technology company.

After a week of regular use, the Google Nest Thermostat creates a schedule for you and heats your home to your preferred temperature without human intervention.

The Nest Thermostat also has home/away assist software that automatically regulates the temperature after you leave the house. For example, if you leave the house for an extended period, you will turn off your hot water tank until you return.

The Nest Thermostat is built with safety in mind. Carbon monoxide leaks from boilers are a popular source of danger. Nest Protect instructs the thermostat to turn off the boiler when it identifies CO agas.

Convenience is also central to the Nest Thermostat. It can be controlled via remote control, smartphone or tablet, laptop, or Google's Alexa assistant.

Furthermore, it communicates with your boiler via a dedicated radio frequency, which means that even if your power goes out or your WIFI goes down, your boiler will continue to provide hot water and heating.

So, what is the cost of installing a nest thermostat?

Nest thermostats usually cost between £160 and £200, depending on where you purchase them. If you purchase one online, you should also consider delivery costs.

This kit contains everything you'll need to install and configure the thermostat. This excludes the thermostat itself. If you supply your thermostat, the price is £150. 

The Google Nest Hello is about as good as it gets for a doorbell camera. It has many features, smart alerts, and excellent video quality. It also works with all your other Google devices. The price for installing a Nest doorbell ranges between £320 and £400.

Nest Prices

Take a look at the table below for the average Nest prices:

Supply Only Costs

Managing all types of home functions that used to run separately is a major attraction of the smart home revolution. One of the essential considerations is the heating and cooling systems that keep your home comfortable.

Especially now, those systems can be "smart" enough to discover your patterns and run only when needed, minimising waste and saving money. In this, we will go over the supply costs for installing your Nest.

Below is a list of the supplies needed for a Nest thermostat installation cost.

The primary tool you'll need is a Phillips screwdriver, which should come with your Nest thermostat and costs between £6 and £10. To unscrew your existing thermostat, you'll also need an appropriate size and type of screwdriver.

A level is required to ensure that your Nest is straight and perfectly placed; this will cost you between £6 and £9.

A power drill will cost between £40 and £50 to install a Nest doorbell, and a #2 Phillips head screwdriver will cost between £2 and £10.

To buy the Nest doorbell will cost £90 - £200, depending on the type you would like to buy. A Nest thermostat usually costs £180 - £220.

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Additional Costs

When you install Nest in your home, you may decide to have other work done on it, or additional costs may arise. Here, we will go through the additional costs of installing a Nest and their costs.

New Boiler

The cost of installing a new boiler can vary depending on several factors. Boilers are typically replaced due to a fault, but they can also be replaced to improve energy efficiency.

For example, if you replace your old boiler with a high-efficiency boiler with advanced heating controls, you could save up to £300 per year on your home's energy bills. A new boiler costs between £1,500 and £3,500, including installation.

Replacing a boiler is not a simple task and is certainly not a do-it-yourself project. Gas boilers are subject to stringent safety regulations regarding replacement and maintenance.

In the United Kingdom, a gas-safe registered engineer is required to complete a boiler replacement. A combination or "combi" boiler is the most popular type in the UK.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of installing a new boiler.

Remove and Replace a Radiator

Expect to pay around £80 - £120 to remove a radiator, whereas the average cost to replace your radiator with a new one is £200. Remember that different styles will cost more!

Steel, cast iron, and mirrored radiators are among the most expensive, with large designer models costing up to £700. A basic single panel central heating radiator, on the other hand, will cost between £20 and £40 without installation.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of removing and replacing a radiator.

Rewiring a House

The average cost of rewiring a house range between £2,000 and £10,000. This price includes both material and labour costs.

The overall cost will be determined by the property type, the quality of existing wiring, as well as the complexity of the installation. The final budget will heavily influence labour costs and the electrician's qualification.

A flat or maisonette is the most cost-effective property to rewire. This is due to the smaller size needing fewer materials, and a shorter time to complete the work. Prices for completely rewiring a flat or maisonette start around £2,000 and can reach £5,000.

The materials alone for a two-bedroom house requiring a standard electrical system will cost around £800, and if the property has three bedrooms and requires a greater number of power outlets, the costs for materials will typically be £1,000. The installation typically takes about five days to complete.

The cost of rewiring a three-bedroom semi-detached house starts at £5,500 and rises to around £7,000 depending on the asset dimensions, number of rooms, and complexity of the electrical system required.

The material alone will cost around £1,000 - £1,250 for a standard medium semi-detached house with two bedrooms and a standard electrical system.

The average cost of rewiring a detached four-bedroom house starts at around £5,500 but can easily rise to around £9,000, depending on the property dimensions, the number of rooms within the property, and the complexity of the electrical system required.

The material alone will start at around £1,200 for a standard large, detached house with three bedrooms requiring a standard electrical system.

Also, if the property has four or more bedrooms and requires a higher number of power outlets, the costs for materials will usually be £1,600. The installation will typically take around nine days to complete.

External wiring is another common type that may be required during a full rewiring.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of rewiring a house.

CCTV

The cost of installing CCTV is determined by the system you select. The main price factors are the number of cameras and the type of system you select.

The cost of a multi-camera system ranges between £350 and £1,700. Installation costs for a single security camera can range from £70 for the camera and installation to £2,500. The average cost is around £350.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of CCTV installation.

PAT Testing

PAT testing typically costs between £1 and £3 per item. However, if you have a variety of items that must be tested, you may be able to get a discount. Some businesses could charge an hourly rate, which could range between £40 and £60.

Many businesses will charge a flat rate for the initial batch of items, followed by a small fee for each additional item. Keeping this in mind, you should budget for both types of fees.

If you would like further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of PAT testing.

Labour Costs and Timescales

Nest installation requires an electrician to come into your home and install this for you. We'll review the various labour costs and timescales for installing Nest, so you know what to expect once an electrician comes to your house.

Electricians can start charging in one of two ways: a set fee for a particular job or even an hourly rate that includes everything they need to do in each period. Most electricians prefer to price per job, but an hourly rate for an electrician is a good cost benchmark.

The average hourly rate in the UK is around £40 per hour, but this varies based on where you live, with London and the southeast being the most expensive. Other considerations include the tradesperson's experience working with a trainee and so on.

An electrician could prefer to charge a day rate of about £200 or £250 if a job is likely to take a full day or more. However, travel time and taxes make the first hour more costly than subsequent hours.

Many have no idea what an electrician charges or their rate for a specific job. Although each company and electrician will have their price list for different jobs, it is great to have an idea of how much they charge and how they construct a quote for you.

This can help you determine what they're charging for labour and materials and whether you're being overcharged. Electricians are skilled professionals, and poor electrical installation can be deadly.

Expect to pay around £75 per hour for an electrician in London. Electricians in the south of England will make slightly more than those in the rest of the United Kingdom. There are numerous reasons your electrician's fee may rise, including distance.

If the contractor is required to travel beyond a certain radius, they could charge an extra fee to cover the extra travel costs. You shouldn't have to pay for this unless you live in a rural area or would like to hire an electrician from afar.

Based on the complexity of the installation, it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

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Cost Factors of Installing Nest

Many cost factors could impact the overall cost of your installation. Therefore, here we will go over the different cost factors and how they could affect you.

Location

Nest installation costs vary depending on where you live in the United Kingdom. This provider will be more costly in London and the southeast due to higher business costs, including insurance and business premises.

Although the cost of installing a nest in the north of England, the Midlands, and some country regions of Wales and Scotland will be lower, the cost of installing a nest in some big cities may be higher.

The Minimum Fee

Labourers/companies may charge a minimum fee in some cases. This could be incorporated into the final bill or included in it.

So, for example, if you were charged per day, it didn't matter if it took a day and four hours or a day and seven hours as you'd be charged for two days' worth of labour.

If Wiring Required

If new wiring is required, the cost may be slightly higher. That depends on whether you already have a wired thermostat or if you don't mind having standing your Nest plug into a socket.

Current Heating System

The installation can be simple or complex, depending on the existing heating system. Older heating systems may have unlabelled and undocumented wiring, making installation time-consuming.

Some locations have the boiler in difficult locations where working could be difficult. If you can tell your contractor the make and model or send photos, they will be able to provide a more accurate quote.

What's Involved in Installing Nest?

If you're installing your Nest yourself, follow the steps to stay safe and connected. Although there are various Nest models, you can install yours by following the instructions below.

A head screwdriver is required before installing your Nest thermostat. Your Nest pack will include one, but you may require another size for the screws that hold your current thermostat in place.

The pack will also include an installation guide, screws, and a trim kit to conceal any holes in the wall.

While Nest Thermostats are easy to install in most cases, they require installation by a certified electrical contractor. They will install it in the proper location, connect it to your heating system's power supply, and configure the system.

Before beginning the installation, the contractor will turn off the mains' power and assist you in deciding where to place the Heat Link, which receives instructions from the thermostat. It should be placed away from large metal objects that could interfere with the radio wave from the thermostat to the boiler.

They will then attach the neutral and live wires to the thermal link to create a circuit compatible with your heating system. The heating system can be restarted once the other end of a wire is linked to the boiler's power supply.

Blue light at the Heat Link's top indicates that it is attempting to connect to the Nest; a green light suggests that the connection has been established. When installing the thermostat, choose a room where you spend most of your time, such as an office, living room, or kitchen.

If you don't want the Nest to be attached to the wall, plug it in and place it on a surface. It must, however, be within 2 metres of a power outlet because it must always be plugged in. The Micro-USB cable will be plugged into the power supply and connected to the socket in the rim of the Nest's base.

If you want your thermostat to be wall-mounted, this base can be screwed to the wall, and the Nest is mounted on it.

The only thing left is to set up your Nest account online or via the Nest mobile app. Then, connect the Nest to your Wi-Fi network, install any necessary software updates, and ensure that the Heat Link is linked to the thermostat, boiler, and hot water tank.

You can then use the app to link the thermostat to your Nest account and start controlling the heating from anywhere.

Can I Install Nest Myself?

These days, smart thermostats are becoming commonplace in many homes. It's easy to see why they're so popular. They are inexpensive, help you save money, and can be controlled anywhere.

So there's no need to stress about forgetting to turn off the thermostat before leaving on vacation. Next, we'll go over whether you can install Nest by yourself or if you need professional assistance.

In most cases, you can install a Nest thermostat without the assistance of an electrician. Nest thermostats are intended to function in homes that lack a common ("C") wire. In rare cases, a C wire or other power-supply item may be required. In these rare cases, an electrician is advised.

It is best to carefully read the instructions before installing a nest. The Nest Thermostat Compatibility website is the first place to look. It will ask you a few questions about the wiring attached to your current thermostat before determining whether Nest can be used in your home and whether Nest must be installed by a professional.

The Nest was created to be a do-it-yourself project that anyone can complete. The Nest app will walk you through the installation process and notify you when a professional electrician is required. If the wiring is already in place, even the least handy can install a Nest Thermostat.

Your Nest should be installed:

• In a frequently used room, Nest can read the correct temperature, and the householder can easily reach it.
• On an interior wall.
• Away from draughts, 12-15 metres from the floor, not behind doors, bookcases, or other objects.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Installing Nest

No building regulations or planning permission are required for a nest installation, but there are a few guidelines to follow.

In the United Kingdom, the following Terms and Conditions apply to the installation of the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E.

Before installation, you must obtain all necessary consents, including, but not limited to, permission from a landlord and any permissions required if the property is under a listed building.

Nest and your installer reserve the right to double-check all required permissions before proceeding with any installation. Nest or the Installer will not be held liable if you fail to obtain any required consent.

Your Installer will ensure that the Nest Thermostat is suitable in your homea before beginning installation. If the Nest Thermostat is inconsistent, contact your retailer for return instructions.

Nest Learning Thermostat: Your Installer will consult with you and agree on the best location in your home for the Nest Learning Thermostat to be installed. Once agreed upon, your Installer will install the Nest Learning Thermostat, Heat Link, and, if desired, the Nest Learning Thermostat Stand.

Nest Thermostat E: Nest Thermostat E will come with a stand and a plug, allowing it to be placed anywhere. Because the Heat Link E is designed to replace your existing thermostat, your Installer will do so whenever possible.

If you don't already have a thermostat or an integrated receiver, the Heat Link E will be installed next to your boiler.

Nest disclaims all liability for any damage to your property caused by the installation of your Nest thermostat to the extent permitted by law.

In addition, no liability is accepted if installation services cannot be provided due to factors beyond our control, such as fire, accidents, war, inclement weather, industrial disputes, strikes, and lockouts in which we are not directly involved.

Types of Nest Systems

Google offers two smart Nest thermostat models: the 3rd Generation Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest Thermostat E. While the products appear similar at first glance, there are a few key differences that will help you make a purchase decision.

3rd Generation Nest Learning Thermostat

The more expensive Nest Learning Thermostat is the standard model. The unit is 3.3 inches in diameter and is covered by a polished metal ring that comes in seven different colours, allowing you to match it to your decor.

This Nest thermostat has all the features you'd expect from a smart thermostat, such as learning your family's habits and creating a personalised energy-saving schedule. It also allows for remote monitoring and control using your smartphone and integrates with other Nest devices or Amazon Alexa.

This model has a few unique features that set it apart. To begin, the Nest Learning Thermostat 3rd Generation is suitable with 95 per cent of 24V heating and cooling systems, which is more than any other Nest thermostat.

In addition, it has a high-resolution colour display with Farsight technology, which means it illuminates when you walk into a room and displays the temperature, weather, or time. It also has a two-year warranty.

Pros

✔ Learns to create a schedule

✔ Compatible with 95% of HVAC systems

✔ Farsight function

✔ Works with smart assistants

✔ Seven colour options

Cons

✖ Expensive

✖ Can cause problems in the absence of a C wire

Nest E Thermostat

You might expect fewer features with such a low price, but most of the differences are cosmetic. For example, the Nest Thermostat E has a slightly smaller 3.19-in. diameter and a polycarbonate body with a ceramic-feel finish.

This design is only available in white, with a less vibrant "frosted" display that's supposed to blend in better with any environment.

The Nest Thermostat E has nearly all the same functional options as the Nest Learning Thermostat. However, the E is only compatible with 85 per cent of 24V heating systems, and it lacks Nest's far sight feature. Furthermore, the warranty is only one year.

Pros

✔ Creates timetable through learning

✔ Supports 85 per cent of HVAC systems

✔ Works with smart assistants

Cons

✖ Supports fewer HVAC systems

✖ No far sight functions

✖ Lower display quality

✖ Only one colour

Hiring Contractors for Installing Nest Checklist

When hiring an electrician to install your Nest, it is important to ensure they are the best to avoid any mistakes. So here we will go through our checklist for finding the best contractor to install your Nest.

Word of Mouth

Asking around is the best way to find an electrician. A suggestion from someone else is like gold dust, whether from friends and family or a social media shout-out. If someone you know has used an electrical engineer and was good enough to warrant a recommendation, you know they're well, especially if you can see their work for yourself.

A person with Electrical Competence

If no one can recommend anyone, you should visit the Registered Competent Person Electrical search facility. All electricians on this register have had their work evaluated for quality, so this is the next step in your search for a respectable electrician.

Get At Least Three Quotes from Electricians

Obtain at least three quotes from at least three electricians and ensure that your quote is divided into the actual work the electrician will be doing, the time it will take to complete the job, and any material costs.

Take advantage of this time with the electrician to analyse them. Consider the following:

• Do they appear to be intelligent?
• Do they have relevant qualification certification?
• Do they arrive on time?
• Is there a van with a logo and a phone number?
• Is this a written or verbal quotation?
• Is there a guarantee on their work?

Remember, if your gut instinct tells you something isn't right, walk away and look for someone else.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.switchcraft.co.uk/energy/thermostats/installing-a-nest-thermostat/
https://www.elec-inn.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions-about-nest-thermostat-installation/
https://myintelligenthouse.com/do-you-need-an-electrician-to-install-a-nest-thermostat/
https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9274936?hl=en
https://nest.com/uk/legal/installation/thermostat/
https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/google-nest-learning-thermostat-e/