Thermostats are not phones.
In the rapidly changing landscape of consumer tech, it’s easy to overlook the fact that not all gadgets are made the same—or deserve equal treatment. While smartphones are anticipated to be swapped out every few years, other devices, such as thermostats, are integrated into our homes and are designed to endure for decades. This is why recent moves by firms like Google to discontinue support for older smart thermostats, including the first and second generations of Nest Learning Thermostats, have led to dissatisfaction and worry among users. The fundamental concern? Thermostats are not phones, and they should not be equated with them.
Smart thermostats transformed home climate management by merging conventional HVAC capabilities with contemporary connectivity. Devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat provided features like learning your schedule, enhancing energy efficiency, and enabling remote operation via smartphone applications. For numerous users, particularly those facing mobility issues, the capability to modify the temperature from a smartphone or voice assistant wasn’t merely convenient—it was essential.
These gadgets were promoted as long-term investments, promising energy savings and ecological advantages. And largely, they fulfilled those promises. A well-functioning smart thermostat can endure for many years, just like the traditional thermostats they replaced—some of which remained reliable for upwards of 30 years without any firmware updates.
Recently, Google declared it would cease support for the initial two generations of its Nest Learning Thermostat. While the devices will still function manually, users will forfeit the ability for app-based control and integration with the Google Home ecosystem. For many, this extends beyond mere inconvenience—it’s a dealbreaker.
For users with disabilities, the elderly, or those living in multi-story residences, the capacity to control a thermostat remotely is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Stripping away this capability effectively makes the device obsolete for a significant part of its user audience, even though the hardware itself may still operate perfectly well.
The heart of the matter lies in how tech companies consider all smart devices as if they were smartphones. Phones are anticipated to be replaced every 2–3 years, propelled by swift innovation and consumer desire for the latest features. However, thermostats are infrastructure. They are integral to the home, akin to light switches or plumbing fixtures. Consumers expect them to endure a decade or more, and justifiably so.
In contrast to phones, thermostats do not require continual updates or new features to stay relevant. Once set up and configured, a smart thermostat should continue to perform its fundamental functions—maintaining temperature, enhancing energy usage, and reacting to remote commands—without needing ongoing software enhancements.
Google’s choice to discontinue support for older Nest models prompts inquiries about planned obsolescence—a practice in which products are designed to become outdated or unusable after a specific period, nudging consumers towards purchasing newer models. While this may be reasonable for fast-evolving tech like smartphones, it’s a deeply flawed strategy for home infrastructure devices.
Users are not requesting new features or flashy updates. They’re seeking stability, dependability, and the continued use of a product that remains functional. Providing a paid support option, similar to what Microsoft offers for legacy software, could be a feasible compromise. However, removing essential functionality without an alternative feels like a betrayal of the trust consumers placed in the brand.
For many users, the termination of support for Nest thermostats marks a pivotal moment. Alternatives such as Ecobee and Honeywell are drawing attention for delivering similar functionality without binding users to an ever-changing ecosystem. These companies might offer a more sustainable model, prioritizing long-term usability over short-term gains.
Ecobee, for instance, continues to support older models and provides solid app control, voice assistant compatibility, and energy-saving features. Honeywell’s smart thermostats, although occasionally critiqued for their app interfaces, are recognized for their reliability and compatibility with various HVAC systems.
Ultimately, consumers seek smart home devices that perform consistently and have longevity. They want thermostats that can be controlled remotely, not as a trend, but out of practicality. They wish for companies to acknowledge the distinction between a phone and a thermostat, and to create products—and support frameworks—that embody that awareness.
