The Nest thermostat isn’t exactly cheap, but if you’ve been in the smart thermostat market for a while now and just don’t want to pay full price for one, here’s how you can save money when buying a Nest thermostat.
One of the great things about smart thermostats is that they have the ability to better manage the heating and cooling of your home, which saves you money on your utility bills in the long run. However, the upfront costs can be a little high, as the latest third-generation Nest thermostat costs $250. And given that you can get a basic thermostat for as little as $23, forking out a couple of hundred dollars for a nest might seem a little crazy.
The good news is that you don’t have to pay the full $250 to buy a Nest thermostat, and there are several ways you can save some money when you go to the store — not just for the nest, but for any other smart thermostat, as well. .
Buy old model
While the latest third generation Nest thermostat looks enticing, you can easily get rid of the old model and still get most of the same benefits for less.
In fact, the biggest differences between the new and old models are mostly in the looks and design. For example, the third generation Nest Thermostat sits a full 0.05 inches closer to the wall for a flush effect, plus a 40% larger screen. The newer model also has a better motion sensor that is capable of detecting people over long distances. However, you can get a brand new second generation Nest Thermostat for $215 right now on Amazon.
The first generation Nest thermostat is the cheapest of them all, but it has a thicker body than the second and third generation models, as well as a visible sensor grill on the bottom, which really doesn’t matter much if you care about looks.
Unfortunately, you will have a hard time finding a brand new first generation nest in stores as it is a much older model, but this is where you can find various used marketplaces for bargains in any generation nest.
Buy used model
Regardless of which generation you buy, you can save even more money by buying a used unit.
One of the best places to buy anything used is eBay, and searching for «Nest Thermostat» will give you hundreds of listings from people who no longer want a smart thermostat. Amazon also has a decent used market where you can find a third generation Nest thermostat for a lower price.
You can easily find third-generation Nest thermostats selling for under $200, which is a really good value even if it’s been used. Thermostats are not as subject to wear and tear as smartphones and tablets, as they simply stay on the wall without causing harm, so it will be easy for you to find one that is in great condition.
I was even able to find second generation models that sell for as little as $150, so if you’re looking to save a lot of money, this is a great way to go.
Of course, it’s always risky to buy used items just by looking at pictures, but eBay has a really good buyer protection program, so if you’re ever unhappy with a seller, eBay can usually help. Just be sure to read the product description carefully.
Set up deal alerts
RELATED:How to get deal alerts for any product with Slickdeals
If you don’t want to buy a used Nest thermostat, it’s a good idea to set up deal alerts so you get notified when the thermostat goes on sale anywhere.
Slickdeals is one of the most popular deal sites on the internet, which makes it a great site for setting up deal notifications. It has such a large community that if there is anything like an agreement, you will hear about it on Slickdeals. In fact, a $150 Nest Thermostat deal was recently made, but you probably haven’t heard of it.
You’ll need to create an account to set up trade alerts, but once you’re all set, creating trade alerts is quick and easy. Just enter a keyword, store name, or brand name. You can even get notifications for every new deal that is posted in a particular category. Check out our guide to creating deal notifications for Slickdeals for more information.
Take advantage of utility company discounts
You may already know that some of your local utility companies offer discounts on various home appliances if it means it will save them energy. Products like LED bulbs, water-saving shower heads, and even toilets can be bought at a discount if your utility company offers it.
However, what you may not know is that you can also get a discount on a new Nest thermostat. By visiting the Nest website and entering your zip code, you will get a list of companies that offer Nest discounts.
For example, Indiana Michigan Power customers in my area can purchase up to two Nest thermostats for $70 each, but will require the non-programmable thermostat to be replaced and installed before December 14, 2016. In my region, ADT also offers a free slot if you sign up for security. You get the idea.
You’ll see different deals depending on where you live, so give it a try and you might find that you can save a lot of money on a Nest thermostat with little effort.
