Most thermostats are designed for conventional forced air systems. They treat every home the same, even though high efficiency heating and cooling systems work differently and simply won’t be as efficient or comfortable if treated like conventional systems.

System Match changes Nest’s algorithms and activates different features depending on what kind of system you have. These features, including Early-On, Heat Pump Balance, True Radiant and Filter Reminders, are designed to make your heating or cooling system work better so you can save energy and stay more comfortable.

How does System Match know what system I have?

When you insert wires into the Nest thermostat base, Nest will figure out most of the information it needs for System Match simply by looking at your wires.

Nest will also ask you a couple questions during setup, like whether your system is forced air (blows air out of vents) or if it’s dual fuel (uses more than one fuel type).

Your wires and answers allow System Match to automatically switch on the correct features for your home.

What are the System Match features?

System Match enables different features for forced air, heat pumps with auxiliary heat, and radiant systems. Find out what kind of system you have.

• For forced-air systems:
  • Filter Reminders: If your system blows air out of vents then it has a filter that could get clogged. A dirty filter could cost you 5% more on your heating and cooling bills. Nest keeps track of how long your system has been on and will remind you when to change out your filter.
  • Early-On: Early-On is designed to keep you more comfortable by getting you the temperature you want when you want it. So if your schedule says 68ºF at 6am, Early-On will turn the heat on early in the morning to ensure the house is at 68ºF when your alarm rings at 6:00. Early-On is available for forced air systems, but if you have a heat pump with auxiliary heat, Nest will only use Early-On for cooling and will activate Heat Pump Balance for heating. Heat Pump Balance has Early-On technology built in.
• For heat pump systems with auxiliary heat:
  • Heat Pump Balance: If your system has a heat pump and a high-energy auxiliary heat strip (and you have a Wi-Fi connection), Nest will activate Heat Pump Balance for heating. Heat Pump Balance minimizes how often expensive auxiliary heat comes on to save you energy and keep you comfortable.
  • Early-On: Heat Pump Balance only works for heating, so heat pumps with auxiliary heat will have the option to use Early-On for cooling. Early-On will also be the only available option if your Nest isn't connected to Wi-Fi.
• For radiant systems:
  • True Radiant: True Radiant gives underfloor radiant systems and radiator systems a predictable schedule with even heat. It is only available for these systems, which use water or electric coils to heat the home, rather than blowing hot air out of vents.