The “cycle rate” determines how constant your temperature will remain. Most thermostats use 0.5 + or - In other words, your temperature won’t vary more than 1 degree. Unfortunately, this puts a strain on your equipment and increases your electricity bill because the equipment turns off and on very frequently. But Sensi allows you to adjust it to +1 and -1. That means the temperature will vary 2 degrees which cuts the electric usage and equipment wear and tear in half. This is a huge feature.
Another benefit of the non-touch is that it works without a C-wire for many installs. Google claims similar, but support note indicates there could still be compatibility issues (that potentially damage hvac system). Supposedly, the new, new Nest ($130 model) is closer to that Sensi with AA batteries - but initial customer reviews are a little scary and the massive, weird backplate is an additional expense. Anyway, after you review, I just ordered the Sensi for $79 - thank you. We shall see!
Great review. I just installed one yesterday. It's finally up and running but not without several issues. To preface, now that it's working... it's great. BUT BUYER BEWARE.... check first to make sure it's compatible with your WIRELESS ROUTER!! They don't mention this until you open the box, and see that it WILL NOT connect to 5G... so to address my issue and maybe assist others. I'm using FIOS high speed internet G1100 Router, dual band. I'm on the 400mbps plan so it's fast. However, during the installation phase I repeatedly received the ERROR (PROVISIONING ERROR) when attempting to configure. After four hours of Sensi support and Verizon, yes most was on hold on the phone. We were able to fix it. Sensi had to email me a list of SPECIFIC PORT/Bandwidth/ IPV addresses so the thermostat could talk to my router. OH and a BIGGIE... if you're running the DUAL Band the 2.4ghz and 5G they must be separated, as 5ghz takes preference, which has to be done, by Verizon, or you if you're tech savvy. So it took a bit with Verizon Tech support, but we split the two bands, reconfigured the ports, assigned TCP, UDP ports, etc. and the tech from Verizon stayed on the phone until connected. The thermostat not works great, and is linked to Smart Things, and Alexa.. BUT IT would NEVER have connected if this hadn't been done. SO BEWARE.
Hey, sorry you had to go through this pain, especially with Verizon out of all companies, but at least they provided a working solution. If you have 1 Wi-Fi name but have a Dual-Band/Tri-Band router, devices that are close to the router will favor the 5GHz band even though they are suppose to connect to 2.4GHz, and this problem occurs commonly in Smart Home devices.
@@DayoAworunse absolutely. Another major thing is follow the steps of using airplane mode, turning on wifi. I noticed that even separated, when configuring the sensi app couldn't distinguish between the two, nor did it specify 5g or 2.4 when selecting. I guessed based on the displayed choices as to which had a lower signal.. luckily that was a good guess. Sensi, could tweak that during configure stage,because on my phone, tablet, etc.. my available networks show both 2.4 and 5ghz... minor glitch but I think the install could have been 20 minutes had I known about all these things...oh well.. up and running now. 👍👍
I have a video explaining the (SON) self organizing network this features SHOULD be disabled. It is not just Verizon most modern routers have this feature. I think router manufacturers do this for non tech savvy people. If the device can only connect to 2.4 band only for instance an arlo camera it will always have issues. In my home I used 5G band for all my devices except for my cameras and now my sensi stat I connected it in 5 minutes. They push people to connect to 2.4 on most devices because that band has futher range but it's not better IMO. I have Fios and I am an IT professional. Please use 5G band but on the G1100 the 5G band channel needs to be changed from auto to channel 36 or 157. Hope this helps someone in the future.
An important note: The CYCLE RATE settings is not to make your apartment cooler or warmer faster. No sir. The cycle rate setting is the sensitivity or degree drop or increase difference so that the furnace or A/C kicks in again. This feature from Sensi is EXTREMELY useful. I just purchased and returned a Honeywell thermostat because the cycle rate is about .5 +/- and ALL Honeywell thermostats are built that way and none of them have the option anywhere in the menu or the app itself to be able to change that setting. My furnace now in winter kept running and running and running and whenever the temperature reached the set temperature my furnace finally stopped, BUT, 30 seconds later it would kick in again. Honeywell thermostats don't let your HVAC equipment rest and that is a very BAD thing. After getting and installing this Sensi Smart thermostat I found out that the darn app itself has an amazing THREE Cycle Rate options to choose from and I could not believe it and I was so happy! This Sensi product is much much better than Honeywell. I really like and purchased the Sensi Smart because of price, design, functionality and look, and I am a button kind of guy just as I love buttons on my car controls vs a nasty touch screen hahaha! :-)
@@myNEONCITY Hi! I have no idea I can't remember and I wouldn't know unless I remove the device from the wall. I just used whichever wires where there already so sorry I can't answer your question accurately. But, I will say that I think I do remember a "C" wire so I will say most likely yes I did connect a C wire. And yes I LOVE the thermostat and for crying out lout please don't throw your money on those ugly round looking thermostat. You don't have to pay so much for a thermostat that's just crazy. I am really glad I found this Sensi and got rid of that junk Honeywell. I love that I'm able to control the Sensi remotely as well is really cool.
I actually picked up the ST55 for it's capability of being able to run without a C-Wire. Its also easy for a non-technical user to operate easily with little confusion. Tactile feedback is a thing to behold! While at the same time I can have all of my bells and whistles of integrating with Alexa so I can control the thermostat remotely. schedule tempuratures.
Thanks for the great review! Just got the ST55 for Grandma's 4 wire system (heat+AC) due to compatibility. Its perfect if you don't have the C wire & it will work on batteries.
Good review. Bought the basic Sensi for $66 on ebay and works great. The android app works great. Look I can control the heat and cold from a remote on my phone! Welcome to the future to help maximize laziness.
Fantastic 2 video review! Very helpful. I ended up picking up the ST55 since I only use app or Alexa anyways and it has the same feature set. Also, recommend max of 3 months for air filter, defiantly in a hot environment. I changed mine every month to keep the air flow high and for air quality. I now use a high quality reusable\washable merv 11 K&N air filter and its great. Again, great video.
Really enjoyed this review as I'm currently looking at the Sensi lower model. I live in an apartment which has a very old model thermostat with the "mercury switch" and the coil "anticipator". Mine seems to work fine during the day but at night around 1-3 am..... it doesn't cut off (this is only happening during the winter. I know that if I have my Apt maintenance men replace it, it will be replaced with the cheapest thing available (most likely not a smart thermostat, which I want). ANYWAY....... This video should have addressed the fact that the Sensi Touch screen model REQUIRES.... THE "C WIRE where as the lower model does not and can work with or without the C wire. If it doesn't have the C wire (as mine doesn't then it will require the use of two batteries. My system does not have the C wire therefore the touch model wouldn't work for me. With that said, if your current thermostat needs replacing..... BEFORE YOU BUY, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR SYSTEM HAS THE C WIRE I still enjoyed the video, but this should have been mentioned.
Sensi all the way. Nest was a fight to keep the temp I wanted, since it seemed to always be "learning." Sensi is straightforward and much simpler and easier to use IMO.
Good review, I just installed my touch Sensi and love it so far, another cool feature is the LED backlight that can be used as a nightlight in my hallway where it's mounted, also there's an optional backplate that's very aesthetic and great if you need to cover up imperfections in the wall from where your old thermostat was without having to patch and paint the wall.
What a great review. You seem like a smart, and super articulate young man. Haven't visited your channel yet, but I'm gonna throw you a subscribe because you did such a great job with this review. I think I'm gonna grab the touch screen one on a deal through my gas company. $49 for the touch, or free for the push button. Thanks again for the terrific review.
I have a 25? year-old Hunter programmable. One of its best features is it records today's On-time, yesterday's On-time, Last week's On-time and This week's on time. Supposedly the ST55 gives usage reports, although I haven't found any references to this. Does it? And what about the ST75, does it? Would have been a nice addition to the review if it did. Nice review, by the way.
Thank you! This is the information and just the right amount of details i was looking for! the best video on Emerson thermostats! Appreciate the humidity tips and that we must have the app, to set many of the settings!
Hello, I'm coming to this video.Kind of late.But I would like to know can you lock the sensei thermostat so we can only be controlled through the app, I am in a situation where people are lowering my thermostat when I'm not around.
Open the Sensi app and select the thermostat you want to lock from the dashboard screen Tap on your thermostat name. Tap on the settings gear. Tap on System settings. Toggle Keypad Lockout “On/Off”.
We have it installed by a professionnal abd love it ... but not info about Heat-Pump and backup electric furnace automatic change below a certain degree (when too cold) nor to chose this set point"/ (and Emerson Sensi support was not able to tell neither)
The energy supplier here is, presently, giving a $75. rebate on the Sensi digital unit. Looks like I'll have to get it now after the good reviews. Seems like a straight forward install following the RU-vid guide on it.
Great review bro. keep up the good work. I could not wrap my head around shedding over $250 for a Nest or Ecobee thermostat. Anyways looks like I'll be giving this puppy a shot
Good review. I just bought Sensi touch unit for the price without doing any research. Then I got worried it was an impulse purchase. Your review help put me at ease. Or else I would have to return it to get the more expensive Nest 3rd gen. Gonna install the Sensi touch the wknd.
I'm buying the basic wifi one it looks great you can change its kick on temp ( since I live in the desert it's a must for my wallet and my time) and it's under 100 dollar Priceline is just the best... also anyone can still use the unit and not feel confused
Got my thumbs up for all the info but mostly because you didn't activate my alexa 🤣🤣🤣 I ordered the touch screen on cyber Monday and looking forward to it getting here
Good video. Can you make all the configuration changes and set \ adjust schedules on the unit or only on the phone app? Would have liked if you stepped through all the screens on both models. When home I'd probably just go to the wall vs an app. Would have also liked to hear more about how the dehumidify mode actually works to reduce your high humidity rate.
did i miss where you said anything about a "hold" function... i had a Nest and i hated that i could not set a hold when I was going to be gone for a week.
@@NO-END Yes you are late lol. . I've had them installed for a long time now and I'm loving them I only wish I could give the thermostats online for other people to use but not give them the admin email and password.
I just uninstall my nest for one of these Sensi units, can I ask why you changed? Reason was my wife and I had problems understanding the nest, to many layers to program thermostat as well as issue getting our furnace to turn out, had tech come out and look at furnace and he hates the nest to many problems so recommended this simple model
This was simply a testing unit that I wanted to try out. I don’t use any smart thermostat at the moment because my apartment doesn’t allow, but I’d probably use Sensi just because Siri works well with it.
Great review and info! Agreed Nest is junk that tenders, fanboys or whatever else they’re called these days. Sensi is a thermostat that does what you set it to do and do it well!
I'm in Canada. My gaa company is offering a rebate code that can be used right at the cash register in Home Depot AND It's on sale today! Awesome. So check your gas company web site. It might be as cheap as an analog non-programmable thermostat. Not sure why you guys arent on metric in the US. If you can get a measuring tape that's metric and imperial it is SO much easier. It's all tenths. No converting fractions in your head.
That's a good suggestion! There are some states in the US that have rebates as well, during all these sales, people should take advantage of all the sales and rebates going on right now! Also, no idea. Metric seems easier and everyone else uses it. Makes no sense to me as a US citizen myself
There is one feature of this Thermostat that is most perplexing. There is a timeline bar and a circle on the left. what happens when I touch that circle? An "X" appears and I don't know what that does. Also, why is there a fixed 2 hour delay? If I click the tstat down or up, it pushes the next set point out 2 hours. This is not an acceptable function of this thermostat. I have consulted the manual which of course is only found on line and there is no explanation. 6 days ago I wrote Sensi through their support link... no help yet. At this point, I'm ready to lose this thing.
great review but totally disagree with you on F vs Celcius. Just because other countries use it doesn't mean we should. I have the nest at 3 of my homes and hate it. I don't recommend
I believe you have have some mixed up. You may have configured it as conventional when it should be a heat pump, or vice versa. I’d say double check your wires.
Why does it bother me when people use the word “traditional” when they really mean conventional. To me “traditional” means a custom or practice that’s been pass down from previous generations. A long tradition that can be trace back to many generations. Conventional means is the standard or norm. Something that most people are used to. Conventional would be a better word to use in this scenario. That’s just my little rant. I know what he meant when he say “traditional”. Anyways, rant over. Hehe!
America has already adopted the metric system, all metric measurements are displayed on all products and it is used by the military. It’s not required to use it for the same reason it’s not required that you speak English in the US. We don’t have a state religion or an official language or anything. We still use Fahrenheit because it is provides a more accurate measurement of temperature than Celsius.