Save Energy On Home Heating With The Nest

I put off buying one of these thermostats because I couldn't justify the need as I already had a programmable thermostat at home. Since I first saw the Nest, I liked the look and the concept, and I followed its progress from 1st generation to the 2nd.

I was in the big box store one weekend, lured by a sale on a high-efficiency toploading washer, and spied a Nest display. I was familiar with the 1st generation, so I took a closer look at the screen. It claimed a reduction in heating costs over the year that would more than pay for itself. In Canada, where it seems like it is winter six months of the year, that's not only a big claim but more like a personal challenge.

We walked out of the store with a scheduled delivery of our new washer, and I had a Nest neatly tucked under my arm.

I was blown away by the packaging. The marketing department nailed it. Spoiler alert: Don't view the photos below in the gallery if you intend to buy a Nest. Let it be like a Birthday present, and you too can marvel at the packaging. Attention to detail makes it.

It only took 30 minutes to install after I read the instructions - yes I read the instructions. I wanted to see how well they were written. There were many hints that were given that were pure gold. Take a photo of your existing thermostat wiring before you remove it from the wall. Tape the wires to a pencil, so they don't fall back into the wall cavity while you are working on the new stat. As an electrician myself, I could see that happening. Believe me that would be frustrating.

The best feature of this programmable thermostat is that it is linked to the Internet, so you have access to your thermostat from your smartphone or computer, even if you were away on holidays. A free app is available to download and install.

I have used the device now for over two weeks, and I am blown away. They call it a programmable thermostat, but I would say it is more like a self-programmable thermostat. After seven days of setting the thermostat each time you walked by the Nest, it remembered the settings and created a schedule. It couldn't be any easier. You can go into the program and edit it as you see fit or leave it. It has an auto-away setting, so when we leave the house, and it sees no activity, the temperature sets back automatically, saving energy and money. Awesome.

Now I know when I get home, my home will be set at a comfortable temperature, even if I disrupt my regular schedule and get home early or later than usual. I just open the app on my smartphone and have access to the house temp as well as the outside temp of my local area. I can see how this is going to save me money.

And after seeing the new products on the website, I know what I am asking for next. The smoke and carbon monoxide detector. How about you? Are you ready for a Nest?

There are a few things to research, and think about, before you buy any device that is connected to the Internet. As with any device that is connected, it can be hacked. It may not be devastating in its actions, but it could be used in causing a site to a website to crash by a hacker controlling various online devices to continuously poll an IP address. The only way to know is by regularly checking your network traffic to see if there is an increase in activity from your device. Staying updated with your device drivers for your router and the Nest will go a long way in keeping you safe.

Another thing to research before you purchase your Nest is to see if your current WiFi router is compatible. Here is a link to the Nest Support page dealing with that info. goo.gl/7u92iQ

What's Next?

I'll be looking at getting a smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The Nest version, of course, calls you on your phone if there is an alarm.