HVAC - Nest vs. ComfortLink II

[Virge_]

Seeing as how there isn't a particular sub-forum for this (or, at least, if there is - please move it there), I'm going to spray-and-pray in OT.

I'm currently re-modeling a property with a 25+ year old AC/Furnace combo that's in dire needs of a replacement (compressor failing, cap barely able to hold 25 of the 50 rated farats, evidence of a fire in the heater and leaking flute exhaust).

As of right now I'm pairing a Trane variable-speed XV95 and two-stage 4-ton XR20i as the replacement. I currently have a Gen2 Nest and am curious as to the real-world differences between the Nest and Trane's ComfortLink II t-stat.

If you own one of either or have experience in the field, please chime in!

 

[SunnyD]

Wwybywb?

 

[Kaido]

Wow, I hadn't heard of the ComfortLink before. That thing is dope!

http://www.trane.com/residential/pr...rols/comfortlink™ ii-thermostats-and-controls

 

[boomerang]

wow, i hadn't heard of the comfortlink before. That thing is dope!

http://www.trane.com/residential/pr...rols/comfortlink™ ii-thermostats-and-controls

$750 - $800

 

[K1052]

Comfortlink seems like overkill unless you have some super complicated multi-zone system with a bunch of accessories.

 

[MarkXIX]

I love my Nest and its easy enough for anyone to use.

 

[drbrock]

I would take the Nest. The comfortlink looks like there is too much going on.

 

[MegaFlop]

I have a ComfortNet (GoodMan) setup with a dual stage heatpump and a modulating furnace. With my setup there are a number of features that are only available when using the GoodMan ComfortNet thermostat. It also makes it much easier to diagnose any problems that the system might be having.

If you are using newer communicating equipment like the Train components you have picked out then you absolutely want to use the manufacturers communicating thermostat.

IMO the Nest should only be used on older non communicating setups.

 

[Virge_]

I have a ComfortNet (GoodMan) setup with a dual stage heatpump and a modulating furnace. With my setup there are a number of features that are only available when using the GoodMan ComfortNet thermostat. It also makes it much easier to diagnose any problems that the system might be having.

If you are using newer communicating equipment like the Train components you have picked out then you absolutely want to use the manufacturers communicating thermostat.

IMO the Nest should only be used on older non communicating setups.

If I was using a lesser configuration - say a 15/16i, then the Nest would probably be adequate. As it stands to fully take advantage of a XL20i's dual-stage 4ton/2ton compressor combo I'd need something communicating.. which, thankfully to you pointing that out, also suggests I'd need to upgrade the furnace from a XV95 to a XC95m. I'm asking the vendor's I'm getting bids on for their opinion and the price difference.

Realistically speaking the location where the nest will be located eliminates a lot of the Nest's core functions (the learning is based off watching you walk by and I'd only walk by the tstat infrequently).

In this case the cost is actually a deterrent, all three vendors I'm working with are throwing the ConfortLinkII in for free if I go with the communicating setup, the Nest ends up being a net positive of around $200 if I Craiglist it.. which, well, ultimately is a drop in the bucket given the cost of this configuration.

The Nest is currently winning. =O