I just installed a new Rheem central AC system (Prestige....2 stage compressor....variable speed air handler). Everything worked fine but the Rheem EcoNet Communicating thermostat wasn't too compatible with baseboard heating (as opposed to forced air heat pump). Originally, the installers said we should use the Rheem EcoNet since it was designed for the Rheem system and was a communicating thermostat. Soon afterwards, the installers said the Nest WOULD work with the Rheem. While the Nest is not a communciating thermostat, they could wire the syetem such that the compressor and air handler communicate directly as opposed to through the thermostat. Rheem said they have never tested their system with the NEst so they cannot say if we will lose any functionality.
Is anyone aware if any functionality will be lost using the Nest rather than the EcoNet? According to the installer, the only differences will be (a) I can't control variable fan speed using the Nest (when in fan-only mode), but in AC mode, the fan will still be variable speed copntrolled by the compressor (b) I will lose the humidity setting of the Rheem EcoNet and (c) there is less visibility of the system current status using the Nest as opposed to the EcoNet.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Should I stay with the Nest? Should I go back to the EcoNet?
