Honeywell YTH8320ZW1007/U Z-Wave Enabled Programmable Thermostat

Product Features

• The YTH8320ZW1007 includes the TH8320ZW1000 thermostat plus the THP9045A1023 wiresaver module.
• Z-Wave delivered messages allows the thermostat to be added to or removed from a Z-Wave controller.Wire saver allows for use without a common wire.
• Intuitive adjustment for precise comfort control, easy to use touch screen display and extra large backlit display with natural language
• Menu Driven programming guides the user through the programming process only showing necessary information and choices on each screen
• Thermostat operating message feature sends a message containing the status of the HVAC equipment

Installation takes less then 5 minutes, including pulling down the old thermostat, wiring the new Honeywell thermostat and programming the MiCasa home automation controller. Everything works correctly, and everything works together correctly.

This product is accessible to and installable by anyone with a screwdriver and a drill to set the plastic wall anchors in your drywall. Because the thermostat accommodates so many different heating/cooling systems, the Honeywell install and user manuals are intimidatingly elaborate. If you just flip through the manual, it seems like you have many choices, but in reality you only have one choice for the type of heating and cooling system you have--you'll probably refer to only 3-4 pages during the installation (unless you perversely revel in trying to crosswalk the English, French and Spanish parts of the manual).

The wiring can seem complex (many wires), but check your existing thermostat, and you probably can map the old thermostat wires to the new one, as the terminal lettering is almost standardized across manufacturers. If you're still edgy about installing a thermostat (e.g., you fear your natural gas-fired furnace and/or air conditioner--don't worry, you almost surely can't blow up the house or asphyxiate yourself just by installing a thermostat), you might want to consult a competent friend for the install.

The display on the Honeywell thermostat has smaller lettering than most of my old Ritetemp thermostat, but the Honeywell is crisp and very visible in low/no light--not so visible in the daytime. The Honeywell screen is very intuitively and simply designed--much better than the old Ritetemp.

The Honeywell includes an adaptive control logic that does a FAR better job than the old Ritetemp regulating both heating and cooling in our house, which is a complex space with strong daily solar heating.

Nest Learning Thermostat - 2nd Generation

Product Features

• 2nd generation design - Nest is now 20 percent thinner and works in 95 percent of homes with low voltage systems
• Auto-Schedule - Nest remembers the temperatures you like and programs itself
• Auto-Away - Nest saves energy by automatically turning itself down when you're away
• Remote control - Connect Nest to Wi-Fi to control it from your smartphone, laptop or tablet
• Easy install - Most homeowners install Nest themselves in 30 minutes or less. After that, it's just a matter of changing the temperature

The 2nd gen Nest thermostat perfect for the look and style. It makes your home appear a little more modern, but not too much. The install is easy and it looks great just as with the 1st gen. The 2nd gen however has a better performance.

There are Nest only exclusive cost-saving features on this device. The two best features of this unit are the auto-away and air-wave technologies (for the A/C) which are probably the two most cost saving features. Air-wave shuts down the compressor before the push box. Since the coils are still cold from the compressor running, the thermostat knows how long it takes for your home to get from one temp to another. Depending on this time, the thermostat knows when to shut down the compressor to save power while still getting the home to the desired temp. Auto-away is a feature that shuts off the AC within a programmable range if it detects no one is home. A side note on auto-away though is that it must be trained within the first two weeks before it has an idea of your home activity. Once the unit trains itself, the power saving features will all be automated unless you manually disable them.

The setup is quick and easy for both the thermostat and wifi to access a personal profile/account. The tools to install the thermostat are generously included with the premium price. Packaging is premium and very Apple-like; a nice presentation.