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Freedom251 › Blog › air conditioning

How to Switch a Nest Thermostat to Cool and Get the AC Running

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

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To make a compatible Google Nest thermostat call for air conditioning, set its mode to Cool and lower the target temperature below the current indoor temperature. You can do this in the Google Home app or from a supported thermostat display. Cooling may take a few minutes to start.

Set your Nest thermostat to Cool in Google Home

  1. Open the Google Home app and select your thermostat.

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  2. Tap the temperature mode control and choose Cool. The modes shown depend on your thermostat and connected HVAC equipment.

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  3. Set the target temperature below the current indoor temperature to prompt a cooling call. Google’s installation guidance describes lowering the target to activate central air conditioning.

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  4. Give the system time to respond. Google advises waiting at least five minutes when checking activation because many HVAC systems have a built-in startup delay; slower systems may take longer.

Change the mode on the thermostat itself

On a compatible Nest display, open Quick View, select the mode icon, and choose Cool. The exact controls and available modes vary by thermostat model and installed equipment. Google’s display instructions cover supported thermostat controls. Google’s Nest app compatibility guidance is limited to Nest Thermostat E and Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd generation or earlier); the Google Home app is the route described for app control.

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Choose Cool, not Heat • Cool, for air conditioning only

Cool runs cooling to meet the scheduled or manually selected temperature. It does not call for heating, although Safety Temperatures can still activate the system. Heat • Cool can switch between heating and cooling to keep the temperature within a range; it is useful when both are needed, but is not necessary just to run the AC. Google explains the temperature modes and their behavior.

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Heat, Cool, and Heat • Cool each have their own temperature schedule. If you change a schedule, first confirm that the thermostat is in the mode whose schedule you intend to edit.

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  • Savings you can count on: The Nest Learning Thermostat can help save up to 31% on heating and cooling bills [2]
  • Improved compatibility: It works with most 24V systems, including gas, electric, oil, forced air, heat pump, and radiant, and no C wire is required for installation in most homes; visit the Nest Compatibility Checker for more info[5]
  • Easy control in the Google Home app: Adjust on your phone from anywhere[1] or by using your voice with Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant smart speaker[3], it’s easy to install yourself and it’s Matter compatible for simple integration into your smart home[5]
  • Beautiful design: With a 60% larger display[11] and Dynamic Farsight, you can see info from across the room[1]; choose the design, like a clock or the weather; it automatically adjusts brightness for the best readability or you can adjust manually
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If Cool is missing or the AC does not start

Cool is not available

Mode options depend on the connected equipment. If the home has only a heating system, Cool and Heat • Cool may not appear. Selecting a mode cannot add air conditioning to HVAC equipment that does not support cooling.

The thermostat is set to Off

Off disables normal scheduled heating and cooling, though Safety Temperatures can still activate the system. Select an operating mode before trying to change the target temperature for ordinary cooling. See Google’s Off mode guidance.

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  • The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. You can control your Nest Thermostat manually when there's no internet connection.
  • Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home
  • Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
  • Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]. | Control the temperature with your voice using smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa[3].

Cooling does not begin immediately

Make sure the target is below the room temperature, then allow for the equipment’s startup delay. Google recommends waiting at least five minutes during an activation check; a slower system may need longer.

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The system runs the wrong kind of air

If Cool produces warm air, or Heat produces cool air, check the heat-pump orientation setting. Google’s reversed heating and cooling guidance describes changing the O/B orientation when the selected setting is opposite the system’s expected configuration. The correct orientation depends on the installed heat pump, so test the system again after changing it.

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  • The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory. Lock feature: No
  • Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home; easily program an energy efficient schedule in the Google home app on your Android or iPhone
  • Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
  • Savings Finder looks for more ways your thermostat can help you save, and suggests tweaks to your schedule in the app; check with your energy provider to learn more about rebates and more ways to save on a Nest thermostat

A cooling system test reports an error

Google identifies help code T02 as a single-stage cooling problem and T03 as a two-stage cooling problem. Use its help-code troubleshooting steps for the specific code.

To run a system test, choose Cool and lower the target until the thermostat indicates cooling, then check the equipment after about five minutes; slow systems can take longer. Google’s system test instructions note that testing may be blocked when weather conditions could risk equipment damage.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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air conditioningGoogle HomeGoogle NestHVACsmart thermostat

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