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A yellow gear with a leaf in the middle usually means Seasonal Savings is active: your Nest is making gradual changes to its temperature schedule to save energy. The icon can also mark a Rush Hour event, so check the thermostat message or Google Home app banner to identify the specific event.
What the yellow gear means
Google identifies the yellow gear with a leaf as the Seasonal Savings icon. It appears while the feature is helping save energy by adjusting your schedule. It is an energy-feature indicator, not inherently a warning or fault code. Google’s Seasonal Savings guide describes how the feature works.
There is one important qualification: Google’s Nest thermostat display guide associates the event icon with either Seasonal Savings or a Rush Hour event. The icon alone may not tell you which one is running. Look for an app notification or banner, or read the message on the thermostat.
How Seasonal Savings changes your schedule
Seasonal Savings looks for opportunities to make small temperature-schedule adjustments that may save energy while maintaining comfort. How it behaves depends on the thermostat model:
Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
If you do not have a schedule, Seasonal Savings may create a basic one. It can then make small changes to Comfort and Sleep presets, taking recent temperature adjustments into account. If an adjustment appears to make you uncomfortable, the thermostat may reverse it.
Nest Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, and Learning Thermostat (3rd gen or earlier)
On these models, Google describes Seasonal Savings as adjusting scheduled temperatures. In summer, it may focus on times when people are away, around wake-up or return-home periods, and make subtle nighttime changes. In winter, it may start with nighttime temperatures, then consider away periods and smaller adjustments during occupied periods.
#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]
If you manually change the temperature, that tells the thermostat something about your preference. The icon may disappear after your override and return after a later schedule adjustment. You can review activity in Energy History or through the Seasonal Savings banner.
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Check whether it is Seasonal Savings or a Rush Hour event
- Check the message on the thermostat. Read any event message shown with the icon.
- Check the Google Home app. Look for a notification or banner naming Seasonal Savings or a Rush Hour event.
- Review Energy History. Use it to inspect thermostat activity and schedule changes.
Seasonal Savings availability is limited: Google says it is offered on Nest thermostats in the United States and Canada except Quebec, with the device set to English (US), and only when equipment and schedule conditions are met. It may not be offered every season. Google’s availability and Seasonal Savings details explain the conditions.
Yellow gear versus other Nest 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. |
| Dark yellow light on a Learning Thermostat (4th gen) | Google says this indicates very low battery charge while the thermostat is charging. A yellow light that recurs during regular use may point to wiring or another power issue. |
The display guide also lists separate fan, Airwave, humidity, and Sunblock icons; their meaning depends on your equipment and settings. See Google’s display-icon guide.
Rank #2
- 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
How to respond to Seasonal Savings
If the adjusted temperature does not suit you, change it manually or edit the schedule. You can also stop or leave Seasonal Savings in the app settings. Google warns that if you opt out, you cannot opt in again until the feature becomes available in the next season. App menu names and paths can change, so use the current Seasonal Savings controls shown in your app.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a yellow light may indicate a power issue
A yellow gear icon is not the same as a yellow status light. Google says a dark yellow light on the Learning Thermostat (4th gen) means the battery charge is very low but is being charged. If a yellow light returns during regular use, consult Google’s thermostat power troubleshooting guide; do not diagnose a wiring or battery problem from the gear icon alone.
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.
