Nest Thermostat Humidity Cooling: A How-To Guide
Optimizing Home Comfort with Nest Thermostat's Humidity Control
During summer months, an operating air conditioner doesn't always guarantee optimal humidity levels within your home. The Nest Thermostat offers a solution by enabling you to regulate cooling based on humidity, preventing that uncomfortable, damp feeling.
Understanding Humidity and Your Thermostat
Many conventional thermostats lack a humidity sensor. Even those equipped with one often only display the current humidity level without offering any control functionality.
The Nest Thermostat distinguishes itself by not only reporting indoor humidity but also by allowing you to prioritize humidity control over temperature settings.
For instance, if your air conditioner lowers the temperature to 73 degrees but the humidity remains elevated, the Nest can continue cooling until a comfortable humidity level is achieved. While this may result in a slightly cooler home and potentially higher energy consumption, it provides enhanced comfort when humidity is a concern.
Activating "Cool to Dry" on Your Nest Thermostat
Begin by launching the Nest app on your smartphone and selecting your Nest Thermostat from the main screen.
The subsequent display will show the current indoor humidity. Maintaining a level between 40-60% is generally recommended.
Humidity exceeding 60% can encourage mold growth, while levels below 40% may cause skin dryness and damage to wooden furniture.
If the humidity is too high, access the settings via the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the screen to utilize Nest’s humidity-focused feature.
Within the settings menu, tap on "Nest Sense".
Then, select the "Cool to Dry" option.
An explanation of the feature will appear; activate it by toggling the switch next to the green leaf icon.
How "Cool to Dry" Works
This feature is particularly useful if your air conditioning system lacks a dedicated dehumidifying function. The Nest Thermostat will initiate cooling if indoor humidity rises above 70%, regardless of the set temperature.
However, there are limitations. Cooling will only occur down to 75°F, or 5°F below your established temperature setting, whichever is higher.
The system intelligently monitors humidity levels. If the humidity doesn't decrease despite "Cool to Dry" being active, the thermostat will revert to your regular temperature settings to conserve energy.
Alternative Solutions
While "Cool to Dry" offers a convenient solution, consider a dehumidifier if humidity remains a persistent issue. Most portable dehumidifiers are designed for single-room use, while whole-house units can be a significant investment.
Carefully evaluate your needs and budget before making a decision.
Image source: exodusadmedia.com/Bigstock, Nest