I’d like to share my experience with two refurbished Nest thermostats—both installed and tested in real-world conditions:
1. Nest Thermostat E (Gen 1) – Purchased from eBay for $55
Installation was smooth and performance was excellent for the first few days. However, after four days, the device disconnected from Wi-Fi and showed error nest.com/w5. Despite multiple resets and proximity to the router, it couldn’t detect any networks. The seller refunded me fully without requiring a return. I now keep it as a backup thermostat—it works well aside from Wi-Fi.
2. Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 3) – Purchased from Walmart for $95
Packaging and accessories were pristine. Setup was successful, but the screen remained off initially while the LED blinked green/yellow. I had to charge it via USB for ~30 minutes, then wait another 5 minutes after placing it on the base before the Google logo appeared. This behavior can mislead users into thinking the device is defective. A simple sticker or note in the box would help.
Additional notes:
- The metal mounting plate came with screws that didn’t match its threads. I used my own.
- The white plastic base didn’t fit securely over the metal plate, so I mounted it directly.
- Minor scratches on the screen were acceptable given the device’s excellent performance.
- A short visual guide with wiring diagrams and setup tips would be helpful for future buyers.
Overall, the Gen 3 model is a clear upgrade—crisp display, responsive interface, and excellent functionality. I’m very satisfied with the purchase and would recommend it, especially with clearer setup guidance.
Thank you for a great product—and for listening to real-world feedback.
