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A yellow gear with a leaf in the middle usually means Seasonal Savings is active: your Nest is making gradual adjustments to its temperature schedule to save energy. It is an energy-feature indicator, not by itself a warning or fault code. Google also uses the event icon for Rush Hour events, so check the thermostat message or Google Home app if you need to identify which program is active.
What the yellow gear means
Google identifies the yellow gear with a leaf as the Seasonal Savings icon. When the feature is working, it makes small changes to scheduled temperatures rather than abruptly changing your thermostat’s operation. Those adjustments are intended to save energy while maintaining comfort.
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The icon alone is not conclusive about the specific event: Google’s display guide associates it with either Seasonal Savings or Rush Hour Rewards. Look for a message on the thermostat or a notification or banner in the app to see what is active.
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Google offers Seasonal Savings when it identifies opportunities for small schedule changes. How it works depends on the thermostat model:
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
If you do not already have a schedule, Seasonal Savings may create a basic one. It can then make small changes to Comfort and Sleep presets, using recent temperature adjustments as a guide. If a change seems to make you uncomfortable, the feature may reverse it. A manual temperature adjustment gives the thermostat information about your preference; the icon may disappear after an override and return after a later adjustment.
#1 Best Overall
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- 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
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- 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]
Nest Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, and Learning Thermostat (3rd gen or earlier)
On these models, Google describes adjustments to scheduled temperatures. Depending on the season, changes may focus on times you are away, wake-up or return-home periods, and nighttime temperatures. The feature can make smaller changes during occupied periods.
How to check or stop the event
- Identify the event: Read any message on the thermostat or check the Google Home app for a notification or Seasonal Savings banner.
- Review the adjustments: Check Energy History or the Seasonal Savings banner in the app.
- Make a manual change: Adjust the temperature or edit your schedule if you want a different setting. Seasonal Savings may use your adjustments as a signal about your preferences.
- Leave Seasonal Savings: Use the feature’s controls in the app settings. Google says that after opting out, you cannot opt in again until the feature becomes available in a later season. App labels and menu paths can change.
Availability depends on your location and setup
Google says Seasonal Savings is available on Nest thermostats in the United States and Canada, except Quebec, when the device is set to English (US) and equipment and schedule conditions are met. It may not be offered every season. If you do not see the feature, that does not by itself indicate a thermostat problem. See Google’s Seasonal Savings help page for current eligibility and controls.
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- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- 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
Do not confuse the gear with other yellow or leaf indicators
| Indicator | What it means |
|---|---|
| Yellow gear with a leaf | Seasonal Savings is adjusting the schedule, or a Rush Hour event is active. Check the app or thermostat message to distinguish them. |
| Standalone Nest Leaf | The thermostat is set to an energy-efficient temperature; it is separate from the gear event icon. |
| Dark yellow light on Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) | The battery charge is very low while it is charging. A yellow light that returns during regular use may indicate a wiring or power issue. |
Other display icons, including fan, Airwave, humidity, and Sunblock, indicate separate features or settings. Google’s Nest thermostat display guide explains these symbols.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a yellow light may be a power issue
A yellow gear symbol is not the same thing as a yellow status light. On the Learning Thermostat (4th gen), Google says a dark yellow light means the battery charge is very low while it is being charged. If a yellow light comes back during regular use, investigate power or wiring rather than treating the gear icon as a fault. See Google’s thermostat power troubleshooting guide for the relevant symptoms and steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page.Connectivity Protocol : Wi-Fi.Connectivity Protocol : Wi-Fi
- 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
Rank #4
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Control the temperature with your voice using smart home devices that work with Google Assistant or Alexa[3]Nest Renew makes it simple to support clean energy right from home; it works with your Nest Thermostat[5] to help you automatically prioritize your usage[6] to times when energy is cleaner or less expensive.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- 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].
Rank #3
- Nest’s smartest, most advanced thermostat yet, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) is a beautiful, brilliant way to save energy, keep your home comfortable, and help make sure your heating and cooling systems are running smoothly[4]
- 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
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.
