Google Nest in rented property?

Scam · 5 Oct 2016 at 14:20

Now that we've hit the 1st October, or national "turn-the-heating-on" day in the UK, we've discovered that our new flat doesn't have a timer on the thermostat. Being the green, conscientious people we are this doesn't sit very well so we've been looking at our options.

I've been looking at the Nest and wondering if it would be an option. I'm a total layman when it comes to DIY and this sort of thing. I see you get a professional install with Nest which is awesome, but I suppose my question is realistically, would we be able to take it with us if/when we move? Would a total muppet like me be able to do it? :confused:

Failing that, we're pretty friendly with the landlords so they might be ok to get the previous one reinstalled when we move out. Although I wouldn't bet on it.

Adam · 5 Oct 2016 at 14:30

How long are you planning on staying in the property? I think that will determine if it's worthwhile going for the nest.

Failing that why don't you just go for a bog standard thermostat? I'm sure you could pick up a cheap second hand honeywell timer.

I have a Nest and it's a nice toy but it really isn't necessary, very much a nice to have.

Glaucus · 5 Oct 2016 at 14:51

the timer will probably be on the boiler rather than the thermostat.
nest is expensive and it has to talk to the boiler, so depends on the boiler.

dbmzk1 · 5 Oct 2016 at 15:07

They are usually easy to install if you already have a thermostat. If not they can be a bit of a pain, especially if the boiler is old. Still, installation is only £50 so it's not that bad...

spudbynight · 5 Oct 2016 at 15:53

There shouldn't be a problem taking the Nest with you when you move out, as long as you put the old thermostat back how you left it. You will need to get your landlord's permission before touching the boiler though and you would be liable for any accidental damage.

Puzzled · 6 Oct 2016 at 00:09

You checked by the boiler for a programmer?

Depends how long you intend to stay, probably be more expensive to take it out and reinstall than it would to just buy a new one when you do move.

I rent and personally I wouldn't, not unless the landlord paid towards it but no reason why they should.

the_r_sole · 6 Oct 2016 at 08:59

Wouldn't bother in a rental tbh, do you think you'd manage to offset the costs in savings quick enough?
Especially if you were paying for installation, you'd then have to pay to have it all put back when you leave.
You would also need your landlords permission, which might be easy but then when you have a problem with the boiler is the landlord going to blame your nest and make you sort out repairs?
Too much potential hassle to make it worthwhile
Spend some money on an extra jumper if you're worried about bills

GinG · 6 Oct 2016 at 10:13

I always thought setting the temperature and having the temperature on constant is the most efficient anyway?

Currently have ours set on 18 and constant, just keeps the chill off in the morning and evening and doesn't require much energy to get up to temperature.

GeForce · 6 Oct 2016 at 10:19

GinG said:
I always thought setting the temperature and having the temperature on constant is the most efficient anyway?

Not true.

The energy lost from the building is proportional to the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

So letting the house cool down when nobody is home is cheaper than keeping it constantly at comfortable temperature.

GinG · 6 Oct 2016 at 10:33

GeForce said:
Not true.

The energy lost from the building is proportional to the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

So letting the house cool down when nobody is home is cheaper than keeping it constantly at comfortable temperature.

Interesting, always thought other way around and from reading the long debated issue.

Is the above information taken from NEST's website?!

GeForce · 6 Oct 2016 at 10:46

GinG said:
Interesting, always thought other way around and from reading the long debated issue.

Is the above information taken from NEST's website?!

Here's a purportedly unbiased source: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-myths#heatingon

The assumptions are
1) zero startup cost for the boiler (100% true for electric heating, mostly true for a gas boiler).
2) non-perfect insulation. If the property lost absolutely zero heat (impossible) then the two methods would use the same energy. The benefit of "only-on-when-required" increases for poorly insulated buildings.
3) in the "off-hours" we're talking a drop of a few degrees, maybe down to 15-16C. The change in dewpoint of the house air is very small. The reasoning here is that when the house temperature falls, water condenses from the air onto the internal walls and in the wall cavity, so when the heating comes back on, it has to evaporate this water. However in a typical home this is so minor as to be negligible.

GinG · 6 Oct 2016 at 10:48

GeForce said:
Here's a purportedly unbiased source: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-myths#heatingon

The assumptions are
1) zero startup cost for the boiler (100% true for electric heating, mostly true for a gas boiler).
2) non-perfect insulation. If the property lost absolutely zero heat (impossible) then the two methods would use the same energy.
3) in the "off-hours" we're talking a drop of a few degrees, maybe down to 15-16C. The change in dewpoint of the house air is very small.

***Goes to change the heating settings***

R.O.S.S.I · 6 Oct 2016 at 12:58

That still doesn't sit right with me to be honest. I don't want the heating on when I'm not in the house or asleep. If I get in and its cold a quick flick of the thermostat gets the heating fired up and the house is warm in 5 minutes again

GeForce · 6 Oct 2016 at 13:26

R.O.S.S.I said:
That still doesn't sit right with me to be honest. I don't want the heating on when I'm not in the house or asleep. If I get in and its cold a quick flick of the thermostat gets the heating fired up and the house is warm in 5 minutes again

That is indeed what I'm saying is correct - heating off when the house is not required to be warm

5 mins is very quick though. Depends on boiler (combi?) and size of house of course.

Scam · 17 Oct 2016 at 13:34

Adam said:
How long are you planning on staying in the property? I think that will determine if it's worthwhile going for the nest.

Failing that why don't you just go for a bog standard thermostat? I'm sure you could pick up a cheap second hand honeywell timer.

I have a Nest and it's a nice toy but it really isn't necessary, very much a nice to have.

I think the first reply here got it pretty spot on no that we've thought about it. Now looking at a big-standard timer but struggling to find anything *that* cheap.

We currently have a Honeywell HCW80 hooked up to a Potterton Promax Combi boiler.

First question, can we replace the thermostat without touching the relay module? (Preferably do it ourselves)

Second question, what's the cheapest timer/thermostat that would work with that set-up?