Any brehs on this Smart House Wave?

[mojodmonky1]

Get the Nest professionally installed. That way there is little room for error. The company prides itself on making it's system easy to install/do it yourself...but I would much rather (and I did) have someone who knows HVAC come in and get it set up.

so i've been thinking of swapping out my thermostats for nest thermostats but now yall got me spooked. i thought its plug and play? what would an HVAC specialist do different that I cant do?

the thermostats that came with my place are either broken and/or possessed. I will set it to 74 and then the damn thing will go on turbo mode turning the house into a freezer. when i get up to check it it will be at 69 and still blowing. My damn electricity bill is up 60% year or year ever since my thermostat started acting crazy. Hopefully the nest (or any new therrmostat) can fix it. I was just drawn to the nest because I just got a new Harmony remote for my home entertainment setup and saw that you can also control smart thermostats with the app.

 

[luckyluchiano]

I just looked at it, looks very cool but I agree with you definitely going to wait.

You thinking about going solar before the tax credit ends next year?

Nah the place I'm at now I dont plan ok being forever and dont want to do an investment like that as I may not see ROI.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

Dumb question, but for a ignorant person like myself, how do solar panels on the roof work exactly? Explain it to me as if I am stupid.

 

[capital sb]

so i've been thinking of swapping out my thermostats for nest thermostats but now yall got me spooked. i thought its plug and play? what would an HVAC specialist do different that I cant do?


the thermostats that came with my place are either broken and/or possessed. I will set it to 74 and then the damn thing will go on turbo mode turning the house into a freezer. when i get up to check it it will be at 69 and still blowing. My damn electricity bill is up 60% year or year ever since my thermostat started acting crazy. Hopefully the nest (or any new therrmostat) can fix it. I was just drawn to the nest because I just got a new Harmony remote for my home entertainment setup and saw that you can also control smart thermostats with the app.

Man it is really a simple process not hard to do at all. I will say this before going out and buying a new thermostat look at the wires on your current thermostat. Check to see if your current thermostat is using a C wire (known a Common wire this powers the thermostat) it will be labeled C inside of the thermostat. 

If your current thermostat is using C it will be a very easy process, if it isn't using C I would call an HVAC unless you are comfortable performing the task yourself.

I had to strip and connect my C wire in my furnace and at the thermostat , because the old thermostat did not use the C it was being powered off of batteries. 

View media item 1740740(picture was taken before I realized there was no wire hooked up to my furnace's panel. My C wire is actually blue not black)

I would suggest watching a few installation videos on YouTube before doing it yourself. Took me about 3 hours because I had to understand and figure out why the thermostat wouldn't turn on  . The companies have a technical support number to call if you need help. I had never done anything electrical related before this, it helped me set up my ceiling fan afterwards too.

 

[yogurt]

The Hue lights look cool but they're also super expensive for some reason

 

[capital sb]

@DCAllAmerican  this seems like the most simple explanation.

The TESLA battery would replace that breaker box provided by the electrical company and take you completely off of the grid.

Personally I like the idea of being paid by the electrical company for any extra electricity the solar panel generates .

@LuckyLuchiano  can you take the solar panels with you when you move? My thinking is that they could come and uninstall the panels and relocate them to your next home. If this cannot be done, then I won't be purchasing panels either until I move into a single family home.

 

[DCAllAfrican]

1. So what are the flaws of Solar Powered Panels?

2. Also, can old homes be eligible for SOlar Panels?

3. So all I have to do is BUY the panels and I can cancel my electricity bill?

4. What if the sun isn't out? Is there less energy available in the winter months

Sorry for being so stupid and taking time to answer my questions

 

[luckyluchiano]

@DCAllAmerican
 this seems like the most simple explanation.
 View media item 1740747
The TESLA battery would replace that breaker box provided by the electrical company and take you completely off of the grid.
Personally I like the idea of being paid by the electrical company for any extra electricity the solar panel generates .

@LuckyLuchiano
 can you take the solar panels with you when you move? My thinking is that they could come and uninstall the panels and relocate them to your next home. If this cannot be done, then I won't be purchasing panels either until I move into a single family home.

after a quick google search it looks like an avg set up would be 25-35k and the Fed tax credit is for 35% so it aint worth it to me for and not sure if you could take it off, but I`m sure it could add value to your place when selling, but then buyers would probably be afraid of the cost to maintain these systems.

 

[Nawzlew]

 

[capital sb]

after a quick google search it looks like an avg set up would be 25-35k and the Fed tax credit is for 35% so it aint worth it to me for and not sure if you could take it off, but I`m sure it could add value to your place when selling, but then buyers would probably be afraid of the cost to maintain these systems.

You have to make sure you factor in the state incentives also.

Here is a site that allows you to calculate the size solar panel you would need and applies the tax incentives specific to your zip : Solar Estimate

25K-35K is really high I'm sure that isn't accurate for you. Solar panels do add value to home, it is a fact. 

A 6Kwh system ($145/mo electricity bill ) for me would be 14K after all incentives with a 5 yr break even point. During the summer I would be getting paid by the electricity company due to my south facing home. I believe that $145/mo is too high for me , but I will find out after the first year of living here.

 

[al audi]

my boy sales solar

people dont shell out 20-35k

you basically are just leasing the systems, and btw the company gets the tax incentives/rebates or whatever

 

[capital sb]

my boy sales solar

people dont shell out 20-35k

you basically are just leasing the systems, and btw the company gets the tax incentives/rebates or whatever

You can lease or purchase makes 0 sense to lease.

 

[al audi]

You can lease or purchase makes 0 sense to lease.

if youre going to purchase its pointless even dealing with these companies just go direct to the source, i dont even think people purchase outright from solar city etc, these companies make money off leasinge them out

people with that kinda money will do this

 

[capital sb]

if youre going to purchase its pointless even dealing with these companies just go direct to the source, i dont even think people purchase outright from solar city etc, these companies make money off leasinge them out

people with that kinda money will do this

Who is the direct source? Are they going to do the install? A lot of homes in my neighborhood have solar panels and I've see a few with the solar city referral sign in their yard.

 

[jjs07]

so i've been thinking of swapping out my thermostats for nest thermostats but now yall got me spooked. i thought its plug and play? what would an HVAC specialist do different that I cant do?


the thermostats that came with my place are either broken and/or possessed. I will set it to 74 and then the damn thing will go on turbo mode turning the house into a freezer. when i get up to check it it will be at 69 and still blowing. My damn electricity bill is up 60% year or year ever since my thermostat started acting crazy. Hopefully the nest (or any new therrmostat) can fix it. I was just drawn to the nest because I just got a new Harmony remote for my home entertainment setup and saw that you can also control smart thermostats with the app.

Man it is really a simple process not hard to do at all. I will say this before going out and buying a new thermostat look at the wires on your current thermostat. Check to see if your current thermostat is using a C wire (known a Common wire this powers the thermostat) it will be labeled C inside of the thermostat. 

If your current thermostat is using C it will be a very easy process, if it isn't using C I would call an HVAC unless you are comfortable performing the task yourself.

I had to strip and connect my C wire in my furnace and at the thermostat , because the old thermostat did not use the C it was being powered off of batteries. 

View media item 1740740(picture was taken before I realized there was no wire hooked up to my furnace's panel. My C wire is actually blue not black)

I would suggest watching a few installation videos on YouTube before doing it yourself. Took me about 3 hours because I had to understand and figure out why the thermostat wouldn't turn on  . The companies have a technical support number to call if you need help. I had never done anything electrical related before this, it helped me set up my ceiling fan afterwards too.

I'm also not handy

I just didn't want to have any margin for error (or spend 3 hours on the install because I have no clue about electrical work).

The great thing about my neighborhood is that we have a services directory. Licensed mechanics, HVAC technicians, contractors, etc. who all do side jobs for a fraction of a price of what would be charged at their various companies.

 

[capital sb]

If you aren't handy that makes sense to call someone, but like I said if your current thermostat is using a C wire it is only a 15 minute job.

As simple as can be, just match the colors. Nothing but a swap of thermostats.

 

[jjs07]

If you aren't handy that makes sense to call someone, but like I said if your current thermostat is using a C wire it is only a 15 minute job.
As simple as can be, just match the colors. Nothing but a swap of thermostats.

My tech also had to go outside to the unit and do something as well. It was a little more than just matching the colors.

 

[capital sb]

My tech also had to go outside to the unit and do something as well. It was a little more than just matching the colors.

Again, obviously that was more complicated job.

I was talking to dude about if it was possible to do it yourself and it is as long as it is simple and straight forward. Simple jobs are just a swap of thermostats concentrating on the furnace and thermostat only. Look on youtube and you will see plenty of videos of simple jobs, and the installation booklets recommend getting a HVAC person to come out if it is more complicated.

 

[luckyluchiano]

With leasing solar panels how much is it on avg? Wouldnt leasing = having a bill = canceling out the energy savings? Or at the energy savings just thay crazy?

 

[DadNboujee]

C" does not power your thermostat.

It's actually "R" that does

R- hot wire
Y- cooling
Y2- second stage cooling
W- heat
W2- second stage
C- common
O- solenoid if you have a heat pump.

 

[105950]

just got my basement finished and have it all setup with insteon.  Love it so far.

 

[capital sb]

C" does not power your thermostat.

It's actually "R" that does

R- hot wire
Y- cooling
Y2- second stage cooling
W- heat
W2- second stage
C- common
O- solenoid if you have a heat pump.

@LuckyLuchiano  Pretty much, I see it as being a washout. You are leasing therefor will never own the panel so you will always be paying a monthly bill. Might as well not get solar. They also have loan programs to pay off the panel over time, I would only go this route if it is of the same price or cheaper than my current bill.

 

[mojodmonky1]

so for my HVAC and/or eletrically gifted brothers. I just took my current thermostat off the wall and snapped a pic. Will this be a 15 min plug and play install for a Nest, or do I need to bring someone in to handle it?

View media item 1741547

 

[capital sb]

IMO yes. For your install you would turn off the furnace electricity switch in your utility closet.

Hook up
Green to G

Blue to C
Red to RH
White to W1
Yellow to Y1.

Brown to OB.

Put the face of the Nest on to the backplate. Turn the electricity to the furnace back on, set up the wifi then you are done.

A guide for reference. http://www.tomsguide.com/us/install-nest-thermostat,review-2216.html  

Official install video from Nest



If you want to be 100% sure the Nest technicians can walk you through the installation. I would suggest being walked through just in case.

If you still aren't comfortable call a HVAC guy to come out.

 

[mojodmonky1]

View media item 1741552
IMO yes. For your install you would turn off the furnace electricity switch in your utility closet.

Hook up

Green to G
Blue to C

Red to RH

White to W1

Yellow to Y1.
Brown to OB.

Put the face of the Nest on to the backplate. Turn the electricity to the furnace back on, set up the wifi then you are done.

A guide for reference. http://www.tomsguide.com/us/install-nest-thermostat,review-2216.html 



Official install video from Nest


If you want to be 100% sure the Nest technicians can walk you through the installation. I would suggest being walked through just in case.
If you still aren't comfortable call a HVAC guy to come out.

i live in an apt/condo building so i wouldnt even know where to look to turn off the furnace electricity switch. i guess i could just shut down my main to be 100% safe and do it during the day when i have natural light to work with?

or eff it, time to call the HVAC guy.