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My Nest thermostat is saving me $30 a month

R

Rage187

Lifer
Yeah, my wife was mad I spent $250. But two consecutive power bills show us saving $30 a month over last year. Not sure if last year was extra hot but it is rare for the bill to get close to $100 in the deep south.
 
Rage187 said:
Yeah. I didn't expect to see a return on the investment well into the second year but I am pleasantly surprised.
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Is it a real device-driven savings? Meaning: rate stays the same/comparable per kwh, general power usage has been the same over a few years? (no drastic habits to reduce previous usage--switching out all your bulbs, unplugging appliances and such...)
 
Power rates are down considerably this year from last. Make sure your kilowatt rate did not change before you attribute it to an expensive gizmo.
 
I was involved in a 'smart power' program as an engineer. The problem most people have is they 'chase' comfortable temps. House is too hot when they come home, then they over-cool it, etc.

The NEST and others like it learn what temps you want and when you want them. It learns how to do this efficiently.
 
I thought of buying one when they first came out but because of my sporadic shiftwork schedule I was better off with something I can schedule myself a month in advance whenever I get my schedule. I could not find a premade solution so I ended up rolling my own. I can't wait to see how much it saves me next winter. I don't have AC other than a portable unit, so I only really use it to check out the temp around the house or turn the furnace blower on to circulate the air.
 
Maybe I'm not getting something, but what does this do that a normal programmable thermostat won't? I mean I guess it's cool you can check on it online, but software support doesn't seem great looking at reviews. At least on the Android side, a lot of people are complaining about lack of device support (specifically tablets) and then not being able to use the web version from the tablet either. Even without the web part it seems even more of a PITA because it says it won't remember your programming for a "one off" change, so you have to manually do things several days in a row before it gets it. If I programmed a thermostat, it'll follow that program immediately.
 
gorcorps said:
Maybe I'm not getting something, but what does this do that a normal programmable thermostat won't? I mean I guess it's cool you can check on it online, but software support doesn't seem great looking at reviews. At least on the Android side, a lot of people are complaining about lack of device support (specifically tablets) and then not being able to use the web version from the tablet either. Even without the web part it seems even more of a PITA because it says it won't remember your programming for a "one off" change, so you have to manually do things several days in a row before it gets it. If I programmed a thermostat, it'll follow that program immediately.
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It has motion sensors and learns your schedule. It knows when we are away and automatically goes into away mode. It knows we get home around 6 and has the house cooled down by then. It also started doing something called Airway mode where it knows the humidity outside and will run just the fan after the condenser has ran for awhile and it is still able to cool the house.

Yes, the iPad app is pretty sweet and let's me track energy usage.
 
“From our iconic ‘round thermostat’ to the first programmable and simple-to-use touch screen thermostats, Honeywell is known for setting the standard in home comfort and energy efficiency," claimed Beth Wozniak, President of Honeywell Environmental and Combustion Controls.
 
As for Apple carrying it, I understand that it's a business decision, but the people behind Nest are also ex-Apple employees.
 
Wreckem said:
I don't know where y'all are living but my rates went up...
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You are right, it depends on where you live. I am in Houston and considering that almost all the power in the area is generated using natural gas the price is way down, around 30%. Natural gas is at a 10 year low or more and it is having an impact. In my area the rate was 12-13 cents per kilowatt hour and can be had for around 9 now.
 
Our power is generated by water falling, and they still went up. Damn HST. They also added tiered billing so it cost more at certain times of the day.
 
Hmm does this thing really work or is it you never programmed your other thermostat properly? Like if I properly set it up to when I wake up, when I usually get home etc. will the Nest really save me that much?

I admit it looks cool as all hell and very futuristic and a neat addition to a home, but for 250 bucks... that's a lot.
 
I thought of getting one, they look cool, but I work at home full time. I don't think being able to program it will give me much of a break. No where near enough to spend the money just to get it.
 
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