Why Does Nest Thermostat Keeps Going into Eco Mode? (Fixed)

Are you wondering why your Nest thermostat keeps going into Eco mode? You’ll find the solutions you’re looking for here!

You likely see the Eco mode notification on your thermostat’s screen. It frustrates you since you’re not getting the comfortable temperatures you have set.

If this is your case, don’t worry, we got you covered and will help you get through this issue in no time.

Your Nest thermostat automatically sets itself to Eco mode if it senses nobody is home. Check your Nest’s Home and Away assist features, as using the wrong settings here will switch your thermostat to Eco mode even if you’re home and it’s not supposed to.

Let’s explore the many reasons why this problem starts. We can then move on to the troubleshooting guide so you can resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Reasons Why My Nest Thermostat Keeps Going into Eco Mode

There are several causes why your thermostat keeps switching to Eco mode. You want to check out your device’s settings as changes have occurred that activate it to Eco mode.

The sensors could also malfunction, not sensing you’re in the area. That’s why it does not switch to Normal mode.

Let’s explore the different sources that can cause this issue:

1. Wrong Configuration

The Nest thermostat can be configured in many ways. One of them is setting it up, so it switches to Eco mode when you’re not at home.

2. Location Bug on App

Your device does not detect that you are at home, so it continues to operate in Eco mode. Your phone’s location service is bugging out, not putting you in the right place.

3. Sensor Malfunction

The Nest thermostat comes with a few sensors, especially those that detect you’re near it. If there is a malfunction with these, it will not switch out of Eco mode since it thinks you’re not in the vicinity.

4. Outdated Apps

The apps that control your Nest thermostat can suffer from malfunctions, especially if it has not been updated.

Now that you know the issues that can impact your thermostat, we can now proceed to troubleshoot it.

How to Fix Nest Thermostat Keeps Going into Eco Mode

Power and software errors are the most common issues of your thermostat staying in Eco mode even when you’re at home.

Before diving deep into the different troubleshooting steps, you want to restart your Nest thermostat and replace the batteries.

This step will ensure that it has effectively discharged, allowing it to boot up cleanly.

In case restarting it does not resolve the issue, let’s explore the other steps you can perform:

Solution #1: Turn Off Home/Away Assist Features

One of the next things you need to look into in your Nest thermostat is its routines. It comes with a Home/Away Assist feature that can automatically switch it to Eco mode or not.

This is certainly an excellent feature as it can help you save energy and, ultimately, your bills.

However, there are instances when these are set wrong. No matter what you do, it seems like it’s simply not working or following your settings.

There could be overlaps in the different routines you have set that contradict each other. In this case, the best thing to do is to turn it off and see how your thermostat runs.

Here’s how to turn off Home/Away Assist:

1. Select your thermostat on the Nest app.
2. Look for the gear icon on the upper right.
3. Find the Home/Away Assist option.
4. Tap on it and toggle it to the OFF position.
5. Monitor if it still switches to Eco mode.

Note: If you want to set your thermostat to Eco mode, you will have to do it manually.

Solution #2: Toggle the Presence Sensing Function

It’s also possible to set your Nest thermostat to check your phone’s location.

You can select a geofence, an area where your thermostat can switch to a different mode whenever it senses your phone is in it or not.

If there is a malfunction with this feature on your Nest app, your thermostat can erratically switch between Eco and Normal mode.

Here’s how to enable Presence sensing for your thermostat:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Select Settings.
3. Tap on Presence sensing.
4. On the Allow this home to use phone locations, toggle it to ON.

Pro Tip: Make sure that the location services on your phone are always turned on when you have the Presence sensing feature on.

Solution #3: Set Your Thermostat to Your Preferred Mode Manually

Your Nest thermostat is a smart device that can detect your daily routines. However, there are times when it can go haywire and unexpectedly changes from one mode to the other.

If this is the case with your thermostat, you want to manually change it to Normal mode. This will signal to your device that it needs to re-learn the routine.

Here’s how to set your thermostat’s mode manually:

1. On your Nest thermostat, open the Quick View menu.
2. Turn the ring to select a mode.
3. Press the ring to confirm.

Tip: You can also do it with the Nest app by selecting the thermostat you want to control, going to Mode, and selecting your preferred mode.

Solution #4: Make Sure Eco Temperature Settings are Off

If your thermostat continues to switch to Eco mode at unexpected times, you will want to go deep into the settings and turn off Eco temperatures.

You do lose a bit of convenience, but if it prevents your home from maintaining comfortable temperature levels, it’s better to turn it off.

Here’s how to set your Eco temperatures off:

1. Select your thermostat on the Nest app.
2. Tap on Mode at the bottom of the app.
3. Set it to Heat/Cool.
4. Tap on the Eco option.
5. Choose End Eco Temperatures on All thermostats.

Note: You can always turn it on again after investigating the other settings, so you know exactly why your thermostat keeps switching to Eco mode.

Solution #5: Factory Reset Your Nest Thermostat

Resetting your Nest thermostat can resolve several problems. It will clear out all of your configurations.

In cases when you might have over configured your thermostat and some contradictions confuse the software, this is a solution to consider seriously.

It will take a while to set it up after the restart, but you can be sure that you’re putting in brand new routines.

Now, you can be confident that it will not mess up your thermostat, and you can be sure that it switches to the right mode at the right time.

Here’s how to factory reset your thermostat:

Before attempting the reset procedure, you will want to write down your wiring information.

You can check it out by going to Settings, then Equipment. This way, you will be able to enter it in if necessary.

1. Tap on your Nest thermostat and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Restart.
3. Select Factory Reset.
4. Confirm your choice by pressing the ring.

Note: The reset process can take a few moments, so be patient with it. You will need to set it up and add it to your home app again.

The Nest thermostat can seem like a complicated device, but it isn’t. You will be able to troubleshoot any issues you encounter.

If the problem of it going into Eco mode even if you’re at home still persists, you can always contact their customer support for assistance.

Read Next: Why Is Nest Thermostat Blinking Green When Charging?

Bottom Line

Now that you know why your Nest thermostat keeps going into Eco mode and how to fix it, all you really need to do is follow the guide.

The troubleshooting steps are straightforward enough that even if you don’t have any technical expertise, you will still be able to resolve it on your own.

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.