Nest vs. Honeywell: a smart thermostat overview

• Do you like this article?
• Tweet

The idea of a smart thermostat almost sounds like something from a sci-fi film. With a push of a button, you can automatically change the temperature in your home, and you can do it while on the road. A Nest vs. Honeywell comparison gives you the chance to look at how two of the leading manufacturers are letting you turn your home into a smart home.

Why you need a smart thermostat

A thermostat that knows when you want your home warmer or cooler can save you energy. When you are going to be in bed, the thermostat will turn off the heat, rather than you needing to remember to turn it down yourself. Similarly, you can teach your thermostat to cool your house down in the summer just before you get home from work. This helps to prevent you from turning your AC up very high to cool things down. Instead, the thermostat can plan ahead and let your AC cool your house more slowly.

In a house with children, this can save a lot of money. Children have a tendency to crank the thermostat all the way up or all the way down when they want the temperature different. With a smart thermostat, you can keep it off limits to the kids and the house will always be comfortable.

For those of us who live in northern climates, we know that turning down the heat at night can save a lot of money. A smart thermostat will reheat the house in the morning before you get up. No more freezing your way to the shower.

Nest

With Nest, you can install air conditioner products like the smart thermostat on your own without any help. You can complete the thermostat installation in as little as 30 minutes.

But if you're also having an AC or heating system installed, then let your HVAC contractor handle it.

Nest calls it the Nest Learning Thermostat because it actually learns to automatically adjust itself based on your needs and preferences. From the first day that you install the device, it begins recording your temperature settings including when you prefer warmer or cooler temperatures. Over time, the smart thermostat will begin adjusting itself without you touching it, using your past preferences to determine what you need. 

The Nest thermostat is an energy-saving device. When comparing Nest vs. Honeywell, you'll notice how it adjusts itself to help you save on your home cooling bills. With the automatic schedule setting, you can decide what temperature you want in your home for several days, and the device will adjust itself to those settings.

While Nest pricing is higher, you have two models to choose from: 1st generation and 2nd generation. The 1st generation Nest averages at $180, while the 2nd gen comes in around $250.

Ask an HVAC contractor about Nest vs. Honeywell smart thermostats! Get free AC installation quotes too!

Honeywell

Honeywell released its own line of smart thermostats. The Honeywell Prestige 2.0 Comfort System uses a wireless Internet connection that tells you the temperature and weather outside.

With this system, you can log into your account to change the temperature online. Or you can use Honeywell's Total Connect Comfort app for Android and iPhone operating systems. The application is compatible with Honeywell Wi-Fi devices systems such as the Prestige, Prestige IAQ, Wireless FocusPRO and EConnect Comfort. 

Honeywell Prestige 2.0 Comfort System thermostat features:

• A high-definition display.
• Colored touch screen. You can change the color tone so it matches your interior design.
• Shows outside temp.
• A search history so you can monitor setting adjustments.
• Seven day pre-programming.
• Energy saving programming.
• If you have a dehumidifier or air filtration system, you can connect it to your Honeywell and control it as well.
• Five year warranty.

Honeywell's smart thermostat runs around $260. Or you can get the whole kit with a portable control device, which allows you to adjust the home temperature based on a thermostat free room, for about $330.

When comparing Nest vs. Honeywell, you might want to compare the products to air conditioner prices or an air conditioner estimate to see if a programmable thermostat is a more affordable option. A digital thermostat gives you temperature control and acts as an energy-saving device.

Looking at thermostat costs, different thermostat brands and the warranty on different products, you can make an informed decision when it's time to replace your thermostat.

Look to Reply! when you need help choosing a new central HVAC system, thermostat and contractors. You can check out product resources and learn which companies are the leaders in the field. A Nest vs. Honeywell comparison shows you the benefits of thermostats from each company, and how smart thermostats and other devices can help you save on energy bills.

First photo: Nest via Compfight CC.