Page 1 of 2 12>
Topic Options
#7564168 - 02/20/14 07:27 AM Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire
furball Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9484
Loc: Toronto, ON
Other than YeSir from the OT thread ... anyone else?

I installed it this past wkend, and lo and behold, ran into some minor issues. Nothing cray, but it was annoying.

Somehow got a chip in the dial ring \:\| Oh no it's not usable now!

Instructions skip the fact you gotta dig your finger into the back of the unit to get the wire plate out... My buddies who were helping me stopped when they couldn't figure it out, knowing I'll go all out WW3 if they fucked it up.

After that, ran into the 'common wire' issue ...

The nest requires a constant voltage wire, aka 'common C wire' ... My new home only has 4 wires, and for now, only heat/fan works... When I install AC, I'll need a new wire installed.

Now, there's Venstar's Add-A-Wire kit, which seems to work, and is easy to install... (so easy, seems even I can install it.)

Nest Tech Support is fucking AWESOME. I called late at like 9pm EST Sunday, and they had 2 guys helping me...

And... They said Nest would reimburse me the cost of having an HVAC guy install the 5th wire... (Guy said it'd cost $100-500 \:o )

Top
#7564170 - 02/20/14 07:28 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
furball Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9484
Loc: Toronto, ON
Here's the article re: the common wire....

http://www.businessinsider.com/nest-thermostat-problem-2014-1

Basically your furnace may go berserk ...

 Quote:
"The method they use to get power is a huge problem. Most wifi thermostats require a C wire so they can power themselves. The issue is, many homes don't have an extra wire to use for this purpose. So in attempt to remain DIY friendly, they implemented a technology referred to in our industry as 'power stealing' which tries to get power from the HVAC control wires and is notorious for many problems. Might as well just be straightforward about it and require a C wire in the first place. There are kits such as Venstar's 'add a wire' which make it easier to solve the problem without having to pull wire."



More:

http://support.nest.com/article/When-Nest-needs-a-common-C-wire


Edited by FurBall (02/20/14 07:36 AM)

Top
#7564203 - 02/20/14 07:58 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
Screamin Type ARGH! Offline
High Value Poster
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 02/20/01
Posts: 47668
Loc: T.O. - Canaduh
it's ok. honestly you'll get more value/savings out of a new high-eff furnace (and half decent programmable thermostat)...than you will from just changing to a nest. i have net access from anywhere to my peaksaver unit. nest is cool tho.
_________________________

"Ban low performance drivers, not high performance cars"

Top
#7564208 - 02/20/14 08:01 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Screamin Type ARGH!]
furball Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9484
Loc: Toronto, ON
I like the ability to see and manage the heat manually vControlFreakLulz

Edited by FurBall (02/20/14 08:11 AM)

Top
#7564261 - 02/20/14 08:31 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
4age Offline
XD XD XD XD
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/11/01
Posts: 3969
Loc: North York, Ontario, Canada
zomg google tracking you
_________________________
http://dreamingin302ci.blogspot.ca/

XD XD XD XD

Top
#7564329 - 02/20/14 09:11 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: 4age]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
cool novelty
_________________________

Top
#7564517 - 02/20/14 10:30 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Screamin Type ARGH!]
Choco 'Nuck Offline
Proud Member of BLM
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/10/01
Posts: 17568
Loc: Somewhere out there
 Originally Posted By: Screamin DC2R
it's ok. honestly you'll get more value/savings out of a new high-eff furnace (and half decent programmable thermostat)...than you will from just changing to a nest. i have net access from anywhere to my peaksaver unit. nest is cool tho.
Screw that peak saver nonsense. I don't want the utility turning down my AC temp in the summer when its 36 degrees outside and busineses are running AC with doors wide open.

Oh, I also won't run nest now that Google has bought them. Too much information concentrated in one place. Call me paranoid, but I'm also the guy who doesn't have a facebook account

Top
#7564649 - 02/20/14 11:34 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Choco 'Nuck]
hyper-s2k Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 12/01/05
Posts: 14556
Loc: T dot O dot, Canada
Just curious what is everyone's monthly heating bill? (I use BBP)
Maybe posting the volume of gas used makes more sense.

Not counting the water heater rental and home heating protection plan (if applicable).

One thing I notice in the breakdown is the actual cost and amount used is less than 1/2 of the total bill (heating portion). It's the other BS charges that rack things up - eg. delivery charge, supplier charge.

So going through all that trouble may not save you much anyway. (we do use a programmable thermostat and bring down the ac / heat when no one is home).


Edited by hyper-s2k (02/20/14 11:58 AM)
Edit Reason: Revised question
_________________________
'08 //M3 - now @ 90,xxx km - wtf did i do?
'13 x1 - now @ 99,xxx km - a2b car
'10 x3 - now @ 123,xxx km - time 2 go?
'03 s2k - now @ 80,xxx km - a2a car
'08 535i - sold @ 149,421 km - cashed out just in time!
'08 impreza 2.5i - sold @ - 64,147 km - smh POS
'01 rav4 - killed @ 155,879 km - RIP old friend

"Driving in the snow is like sex. If you want to avoid accidents, abstinence is the best policy. If you're gonna take her for a spin, use protection." - Rick Mercer

Top
#7564666 - 02/20/14 11:43 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: hyper-s2k]
LNXGUY Moderator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 106943
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
People want them because they look cool, not because they save money.. Let's be realistic..

You wanna save money? Turn down the fucking temperature and put a sweater on, lol.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
'09 E90 335d

Top
#7564694 - 02/20/14 11:56 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: LNXGUY]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
pretty much.

Even when it comes down to peak vs off peak hours for hydro. its a very small savings overall. The delivery charges etc still stay the same regardless.
_________________________

Top
#7564816 - 02/20/14 12:33 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Euphoricuck]
furball Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9484
Loc: Toronto, ON
Well, my house is currently at 15.5C ... 18-19C when I'm home, but it's starting to be un-fucking-bearable... 21C I think is the sweet spot when I'm home, 17 away.
Top
#7564826 - 02/20/14 12:36 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Choco 'Nuck]
Screamin Type ARGH! Offline
High Value Poster
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 02/20/01
Posts: 47668
Loc: T.O. - Canaduh
 Originally Posted By: Chocolate Troll
 Originally Posted By: Screamin DC2R
it's ok. honestly you'll get more value/savings out of a new high-eff furnace (and half decent programmable thermostat)...than you will from just changing to a nest. i have net access from anywhere to my peaksaver unit. nest is cool tho.
Screw that peak saver nonsense. I don't want the utility turning down my AC temp in the summer when its 36 degrees outside and busineses are running AC with doors wide open.

Oh, I also won't run nest now that Google has bought them. Too much information concentrated in one place. Call me paranoid, but I'm also the guy who doesn't have a facebook account


lol peaksaver doesnt work 'just like that'
_________________________

"Ban low performance drivers, not high performance cars"

Top
#7564832 - 02/20/14 12:38 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
Risky Business Offline
Provides a Great Work Environment. he/him
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 44790
 Originally Posted By: FurBall
Well, my house is currently at 15.5C ... 18-19C when I'm home, but it's starting to be un-fucking-bearable... 21C I think is the sweet spot when I'm home, 17 away.


15.5...that's cold y0.

Top
#7564834 - 02/20/14 12:38 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Screamin Type ARGH!]
Choco 'Nuck Offline
Proud Member of BLM
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 07/10/01
Posts: 17568
Loc: Somewhere out there
^^ It did last summer for my neighbours when the utility raised the temp on the thermostat on one of the hottest days of the year. So much for that bullshit of saving energy, but they won't tackle the biggest consumers (businesses).
Top
#7564871 - 02/20/14 12:50 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Risky Business]
furball Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9484
Loc: Toronto, ON
No one's home but my sexy hardwood floors and my cigars in my humidor...

It's set to be minimum 16C, but Nest has a threshold...

 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss
 Originally Posted By: FurBall
Well, my house is currently at 15.5C ... 18-19C when I'm home, but it's starting to be un-fucking-bearable... 21C I think is the sweet spot when I'm home, 17 away.


15.5...that's cold y0.

Top
#7564887 - 02/20/14 12:58 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
Risky Business Offline
Provides a Great Work Environment. he/him
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 44790
You moved in already? Why you no invite csi for house warming?

So how do you like it man, what you doing all alone in a big house like that?

When will I see you at Foodymart/Sunny or you a garden basket type of baller like my wife.

Top
#7565232 - 02/20/14 02:34 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Risky Business]
titty sprinkles Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 17179
Loc: Toronto,Ontario
I thought about getting it, but it wouldn't be worth it. since i work evenings, there's only like, 3hrs that someone isn't home. it would probably burn more energy letting the house cool and then heat back up within that time.

23degrees all day eurrday.
_________________________
2019 TLX Aspec

Top
#7565256 - 02/20/14 02:40 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Choco 'Nuck]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
they basically cycle the grid to help with load.

I think it only happened twice when I was actually home for a couple of hours.
_________________________

Top
#7565345 - 02/20/14 03:02 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Choco 'Nuck]
LNXGUY Moderator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 106943
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
 Originally Posted By: Chocolate Troll
^^ It did last summer for my neighbours when the utility raised the temp on the thermostat on one of the hottest days of the year. So much for that bullshit of saving energy, but they won't tackle the biggest consumers (businesses).


Read the fine print, they can fuck with anything the meter is plugged into. No thanks!
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
'09 E90 335d

Top
#7565454 - 02/20/14 03:48 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Choco 'Nuck]
titty sprinkles Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 17179
Loc: Toronto,Ontario
 Originally Posted By: Chocolate Troll
^^ It did last summer for my neighbours when the utility raised the temp on the thermostat on one of the hottest days of the year. So much for that bullshit of saving energy, but they won't tackle the biggest consumers (businesses).


I hear ya. i was actually watching canadian parliment the other day (while waiting for the rogers box to reset ) and one of the people barking was saying that senior's bills for energy are as much as their cost of living support from the gobment. that to me is cray.
_________________________
2019 TLX Aspec

Top
#7565674 - 02/20/14 05:07 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: titty sprinkles]
zaius Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 04/30/05
Posts: 8590
Loc: Toronto
if you wanna stop peak saver, build a faraday cage around your thermostat.
_________________________
2003 dc5 typeS.
looks stock.

Top
#7566130 - 02/20/14 09:27 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: zaius]
loudsubz Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/16/01
Posts: 11333
Loc: Ontario, Canada
the common wire issue isn't just for Nest Tstats, lots of Tstats have the ability to run common wire, and before Nest most home automation Tstats needed a common wire to function properly, or a power stealing resistor applied.

Most HVAC wire has the ability to run 5 lines unless they cheaped out, but the HVAC techs don't always connect the common.

Top
#7566171 - 02/20/14 09:41 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
robbbby Offline
master electrician
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 01/23/02
Posts: 15428
Loc: Canada
Are you sure you only have 4 wires? A 4 wire LVT cable isn't common, it's usually 2, 5, 6 and 8 conductors. Did you check if they snipped the 5th conductor back near the cable jacketing? Most tin knockers are too stupid/lazy/don't care so they don't hook the common up so they cut the extra conductor. Check the bottom compartment of your furnace that houses the blower motor. The tstat wire is terminated in there, verify it's actually just 4 wires.
Top
#7566278 - 02/20/14 10:35 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: robbbby]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
nah he better be safe and just use some fuel oil heaters.
dont mess with electrical. its not safe.
_________________________

Top
#7566530 - 02/21/14 07:15 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Risky Business]
furball Offline
Post Master Sr


Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9484
Loc: Toronto, ON
I'll double-triple check this wkend. I followed the 4 wires (in a sleeve) down into the furnace connectors, and it sure looked like 4.

From what I can tell, the 'Add-A-Wire' wizardry seems to work, although you 'may' get an E26 error or something on the Nest...

 Originally Posted By: robbbby
Are you sure you only have 4 wires? <SNIP> The tstat wire is terminated in there, verify it's actually just 4 wires.


 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss
You moved in already? Why you no invite csi for house warming?

So how do you like it man, what you doing all alone in a big house like that?

When will I see you at Foodymart/Sunny or you a garden basket type of baller like my wife.

It's a big ass house, and the amount of shit/knick knacks that one accumulates over the years is insane, as is the little knick knack shit you buy/need when you move into a new home (more garbage cans, fucking clear garbage bags, etc.)

Home is fucking freezing - I immediately ripped out all the carpet and had hardwood installed on days 1, 2 of home ownership. The carpet does indeed 'feel' warmer, but I'm accustomed to hardwood. Will need to install a humidifier when I install AC in a couple mths ...

My fridge has 1 RedBull, bunch of beer, and coke \:\(




Edited by FurBall (02/21/14 02:30 PM)

Top
#7567108 - 02/21/14 11:20 AM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
Such debt,so amaze ,much lonely
_________________________

Top
#7567752 - 02/21/14 04:09 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Euphoricuck]
loudsubz Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/16/01
Posts: 11333
Loc: Ontario, Canada
lol why remove the pics?
Top
#7567849 - 02/21/14 05:03 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: furball]
Risky Business Offline
Provides a Great Work Environment. he/him
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 44790
 Originally Posted By: FurBall
I'll double-triple check this wkend. I followed the 4 wires (in a sleeve) down into the furnace connectors, and it sure looked like 4.

From what I can tell, the 'Add-A-Wire' wizardry seems to work, although you 'may' get an E26 error or something on the Nest...

 Originally Posted By: robbbby
Are you sure you only have 4 wires? <SNIP> The tstat wire is terminated in there, verify it's actually just 4 wires.


 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss
You moved in already? Why you no invite csi for house warming?

So how do you like it man, what you doing all alone in a big house like that?

When will I see you at Foodymart/Sunny or you a garden basket type of baller like my wife.

It's a big ass house, and the amount of shit/knick knacks that one accumulates over the years is insane, as is the little knick knack shit you buy/need when you move into a new home (more garbage cans, fucking clear garbage bags, etc.)

Home is fucking freezing - I immediately ripped out all the carpet and had hardwood installed on days 1, 2 of home ownership. The carpet does indeed 'feel' warmer, but I'm accustomed to hardwood. Will need to install a humidifier when I install AC in a couple mths ...

My fridge has 1 RedBull, bunch of beer, and coke \:\(




Where abouts did you buy, near Mt. joy? Pm me if you want, your call, i will find your EL one day anyway so I recommend sharing so you don't find me waiting for you in your garage with a crow bar.

Congrats, first few months of home ownership were stressful...no money, hanging in there by a string (financially) and A LOT of fucking expenses.

Top
#7567852 - 02/21/14 05:04 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Risky Business]
loudsubz Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/16/01
Posts: 11333
Loc: Ontario, Canada
 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss
 Originally Posted By: FurBall
I'll double-triple check this wkend. I followed the 4 wires (in a sleeve) down into the furnace connectors, and it sure looked like 4.

From what I can tell, the 'Add-A-Wire' wizardry seems to work, although you 'may' get an E26 error or something on the Nest...

 Originally Posted By: robbbby
Are you sure you only have 4 wires? <SNIP> The tstat wire is terminated in there, verify it's actually just 4 wires.


 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss
You moved in already? Why you no invite csi for house warming?

So how do you like it man, what you doing all alone in a big house like that?

When will I see you at Foodymart/Sunny or you a garden basket type of baller like my wife.

It's a big ass house, and the amount of shit/knick knacks that one accumulates over the years is insane, as is the little knick knack shit you buy/need when you move into a new home (more garbage cans, fucking clear garbage bags, etc.)

Home is fucking freezing - I immediately ripped out all the carpet and had hardwood installed on days 1, 2 of home ownership. The carpet does indeed 'feel' warmer, but I'm accustomed to hardwood. Will need to install a humidifier when I install AC in a couple mths ...

My fridge has 1 RedBull, bunch of beer, and coke \:\(




Where abouts did you buy, near Mt. joy? Pm me if you want, your call, i will find you EL one day anyway so I recommend sharing so you don't find me waiting for you in your garage with a crow bar.

Congrats, first few months of home ownership were stressful...no money, hanging in there by a string (financially) and A LOT of fucking expenses.


buy low, no problems \:\)

Top
#7567973 - 02/21/14 06:28 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Risky Business]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss


Congrats, first few years of home ownership were stressful...no money, hanging in there by a string (financially) and A LOT of fucking expenses.
_________________________

Top
#7567995 - 02/21/14 06:43 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Euphoricuck]
c2k Moderator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 05/21/00
Posts: 19291
Loc: Wiesloch-Walldorf, Germany
 Originally Posted By: Euphoric
 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss


Congrats, first few years of home ownership were stressful...no money, hanging in there by a string (financially) and A LOT of fucking expenses.


thank you for correcting and adjusting for truth.
_________________________
Who cares

Top
#7568054 - 02/21/14 07:30 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: c2k]
Risky Business Offline
Provides a Great Work Environment. he/him
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 44790
 Originally Posted By: c2k
 Originally Posted By: Euphoric
 Originally Posted By: Яeesky Beeznuss


Congrats, first few years of home ownership were stressful...no money, hanging in there by a string (financially) and A LOT of fucking expenses.


thank you for correcting and adjusting for truth.



That's probably true if you buy an old fixer upper like me...can't see expenses creeping up if you buy a new house where nothing needs to be done.

Top
#7568091 - 02/21/14 07:54 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: Risky Business]
loudsubz Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/16/01
Posts: 11333
Loc: Ontario, Canada
To be honest it's not that bad if you planned before hand. If you bought on impulse with just barely the down payment and no real savings for anything else, or bought way beyond your means than no feels here.

We bought a fixer upper and spent a ton before even moving in but we planned well in advance and prepared. Pretty much whole house was down to subfloors and drywall. Did it all ourselves which saved a bit of coin but still expenses were up there.

Top
#7568121 - 02/21/14 08:06 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: loudsubz]
LNXGUY Moderator Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 106943
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
Buy within your means, and you won't be eating ramen every night.
_________________________
-Bill
The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children.
'09 E90 335d

Top
#7568304 - 02/21/14 10:17 PM Re: Anyone here Nest? vCommonWire [Re: LNXGUY]
Euphoricuck Offline
Post Master Supreme


Registered: 11/05/03
Posts: 92703
Loc: Canadistan
Who the hell can buy within their means these days? Even a few yrs ago?
_________________________

Top
Page 1 of 2 12>


Moderator:  c2k, LNXGUY, TheRealCSnapper, Professor Paki 
Hop to:
Shout Box

CSi Sponsors

DiGBiC Lighters
DiGBiC Lighters
DallasColo
Dallas Colocation
ClubSi.com Shirts
ClubSi-Shirts
GameStop
Black-Friday Specials
Big Brake Kits
StopTech.Sale BBK Clearance
Brake Kits
Buy Brake Kits
EBC Brake Kits
EBC Brake Kits
BuyBrakes
Brake Kits-Pads & Rotors Sets
StopTech Brake Kits
StopTech
StopTech NZ
StopTech
StopTech Australia
StopTech
Hawk Brake Pads
Hawk Brake Pads
Samys Camera
GoPros, Cameras, Gear
Brake Specials Near Me
Brake Specials Near Me
Brake Pad Coupons
Coupon Code "hondafetish"
Porsche Brakes
Porsche Brake Upgrades
2-Piece Rotors-Civic Type-R
2-Piece Civic Rotors
Advertisement

| Brake Pads | | How To Change Brake Pads | | Drilled Slotted Brake Kits Cheap | EBC Brake Kits | Performance Brake Kits | Brake Specials Near Me | How To Replace Brake Pads