topic Re: Scheduling Problem in Nest Thermostats

Scheduling Problem

ajmutch — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 22:51:48 GMT

Because of the way my electricity bill works, I need to schedule the Nest thermostat (for an unused part of the house) so that it NEVER comes on during the period 4pm - 7pm. If the AC comes on between 4pm and 7pm any single weekday during the month, my electricity bill will go up by up to $100 for that month.

So far as I can tell, this is totally impossible to program, and my only option is to switch the entire AC unit off permanently - which is not what I want. Current daytime temperatures are about 113deg, and my maximum ECO temperature is 90, and my maximum SAFETY temperature is 95deg. I don't mind what the inside temperature reaches between 4pm and 7pm, but I want to cool to 85deg during the rest of the day and night. How can I do this?

I am trying to use Google Home to control the NEST, but also have the NEST app.

Re: Scheduling Problem

ajmutch — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 22:55:41 GMT

My mistake - max ECO is 95Deg and Safety is 100deg

Re: Scheduling Problem

markjones555 — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 01:24:33 GMT

You can achieve this by setting a temperature schedule in your Nest thermostat through the Nest app. Adjust the settings so that the temperature stays above your ECO temperature range (like 90°F) during 4pm - 7pm. Outside of this period, you can set it to cool down to 85°F as desired. This should help manage your electricity costs effectively. GB Pro 10 recommends adjusting your thermostat settings accordingly.

Re: Scheduling Problem

ajmutch — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 16:20:05 GMT

Thanks Mark. This Nest/AC is for my casita, a stand-alone building in full sun. If I keep the casita at 85deg (actually I'd prefer 88deg) normally, then 90 - 95 deg during 4pm - 7pm, it will likely exceed the 90 - 95 deg within 3 hours. 4pm - 6pm is the hottest time of day. We're looking at maybe 115deg in full sun. Outside surface temps are well over 140deg. I could cool to 75deg prior to 4pm, but that's really a waste of off-peak power. I'll consider replacing the Nest with a simple thermostat which can switch off the AC at a scheduled time. Or is there a "fix" I can do by putting a timer in series with one of the Nest wires?