Thermostat advice....smart or just programmable

[Losiracer2]

I just moved into my new apartment and i came to discover that the thermostat in it is an ancient mercury filled death box, non digital, non programmable, and very inaccurate.

Would you guys recommend one of those Nest smart tstats or just a basic Honeywell programmable one?

I was thinking the RTH6450, I can get one New in box for 35.

I also found a guy selling a new in box Nest for 175.

My lease is for a least a year, do you think I can save that much having the Nest?

[XCRN]

The nest is a pretty cool gadget to have but I think you could save the same amount of money no matter which unit you use so long as you are on top of it and adjust it as necessary. Worse comes to worse you take it with you after you leave.

Also if you do get a Nest, this could happen dada da dada

[deevergote]

Make sure it's ok with your complex/landlord before changing something like that.

My girlfriend's cousin works for Nest, which has now been bought out by Google. I think it's a cool thing, and I can foresee expanded functionality over the years... but as it is now, I don't see the point. If you were investing in a house or condo that you planned on living in and upgrading for the next 5+ years, then I'd say Nest would be a great choice. Since it's just an apartment that I'm assuming you're renting, I wouldn't bother. Honestly, if the old thermostat is working fine, I wouldn't even bother upgrading it unless you absolutely NEED a programmable unit! I've had my ancient dial unit since I moved into my house in 2003. Keep saying "I should upgrade that", but never do... because it works just fine.

So, in short... check with your complex/landlord to make sure it's ok. Then if you absolutely want an upgraded thermostat, the Honeywell unit should serve your purposes just fine. Go Nest when you buy a long term residence.

[muhammedmian]

To each his own. Personally, I wanted something programmable and cost effective. I have that particular Honeywell model and it has done me well. It did screw me over with daylight savings, but then again its just a thermostat.

[Ralphie]

I have a programmable Honeywell too.

It works good, no complains, does what It is supposed to do.

As far as Nest, I would not spend $175 on a tstat unless you needed specific functions that the reg tstats don't provide.

And I read extensive reviews on the Nest units(primarily version 2) and a lot of people were having issues with the units being confused about whether the space was occupied or not. That could actually COST you money if the thing malfunctions when you are away and cools your house ALL DAY.

Programmable are easy. Set it and forget it. Sometimes less is more.

[Losiracer2]

I actually found a college girl selling hers New in Box for 50 bucks, BUT, catch is I have to go and pick it up, she doesn't have a car. She's in northern AZ, about 100 miles away. Pics looked legit and i could see it was unopened. I was thinking I'd make a roadtrip of it to go through some nice curvy roads while going up. Gas would be about 20-25 bucks I'd say.

btw, this is my old thermostat I'm working with. Its pretty ancient lol.

[lucifer1]

I have a nest and it works pretty good and is easy to use. Really the best part is the app so you don't have to get up to make changes.