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frontpage Posted by Kimpossible680 • Mar 16, 2022
frontpage Posted by Kimpossible680 • Mar 16, 2022

Select Utility Companies: Sensi Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat (various)

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from Free

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Deal Details
Various Utility Companies offers current Account Holders in Select States: Sensi Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat on sale for prices listed below. Shipping may vary by location and provider.

Thanks Deal Hunter Kimpossible680 for sharing this deal

Offer Notes:
  • Rebate amounts vary depending on the utility provider.
  • The utilities listed offer an instant rebate via an online marketplace, but your utility may offer a traditional rebate. To find Traditional Rebate, Click Here and Scroll to bottom right of listings then click tab that says " No Rebates. Change Location" to enter zip code.
Example Participating Locations/ Services (prices below after instant rebate):

Editor's Notes

Written by slickdewmaster | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Refer to forum thread for full list of qualifying Utility Companies offering this sale.
    • Offer valid for a limited time.
    • Must be a current account holder with the listed utility provider in order to qualify for this sale pricing. Availability may vary by location.
No longer available
  • Idaho
    • Avista Utilities FREE (after post-purchase rebate)
      • You will be emailed Rebate Info. Click "Apply for Rebate in my State" in email. Select Idaho then Smart Thermostat. Rebate Form Submission link is provided on final page.
  • Washington
    • Avista Utilities Free (after post-purchase rebate)
      • You will be emailed Rebate Info. Click "Apply for Rebate in my State" in email. Select Washington then Smart Thermostat. Rebate Form Submission link is provided on final page.

Original Post

Written by Kimpossible680
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Various Utility Companies offers current Account Holders in Select States: Sensi Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat on sale for prices listed below. Shipping may vary by location and provider.

Thanks Deal Hunter Kimpossible680 for sharing this deal

Offer Notes:
  • Rebate amounts vary depending on the utility provider.
  • The utilities listed offer an instant rebate via an online marketplace, but your utility may offer a traditional rebate. To find Traditional Rebate, Click Here and Scroll to bottom right of listings then click tab that says " No Rebates. Change Location" to enter zip code.
Example Participating Locations/ Services (prices below after instant rebate):

Editor's Notes

Written by slickdewmaster | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Refer to forum thread for full list of qualifying Utility Companies offering this sale.
    • Offer valid for a limited time.
    • Must be a current account holder with the listed utility provider in order to qualify for this sale pricing. Availability may vary by location.
No longer available
  • Idaho
    • Avista Utilities FREE (after post-purchase rebate)
      • You will be emailed Rebate Info. Click "Apply for Rebate in my State" in email. Select Idaho then Smart Thermostat. Rebate Form Submission link is provided on final page.
  • Washington
    • Avista Utilities Free (after post-purchase rebate)
      • You will be emailed Rebate Info. Click "Apply for Rebate in my State" in email. Select Washington then Smart Thermostat. Rebate Form Submission link is provided on final page.

Original Post

Written by Kimpossible680

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Top Comments

maddog55
675 Posts
180 Reputation
Perhaps you should explain the basis of your comment.

I personally installed four of these in my son's home alone three years ago, at least 2-3 of which were without a c wire. At the time I spoke to the Emerson Electric (mfr of Sensi brand and coincidentally local to where I live) technical support staff about their claim to not need a c wire (lots of other sellers claim no need but fail to point out that this means their devices rely on batteries which obviously die and usually at in opportune times). The technician's explanation was what I used in my post. It makes sense and I've read it online in other places confirming this. The units still work now and there's no way the batteries would have lasted that long.

Now that I've told you what I've actually done and my research with multiple sources, it's your turn to share with us. Have you installed one or more of these exact units? Did you call the manufacturer? Or do you just feel superior making negative comments? This forum is about sharing and helping others.

BTW, for anyone considering spending extra to get the color LCD version, be advised that model does indeed require the c wire. The one in the original post is monochromatic and it's simpler needs allows it to be operated without the c wire. If you wish to confirm, suggest calling the tech line. When I did, the wait time was almost non-existent, there was no labyrinth of menus to navigate, the technician was quite skilled, and their voice was easily understood. This was pre-pandemic but I hope that hasn't changed. The experience left me glad that I bought their product, which incidentally was not free at the time.
tyman
4489 Posts
505 Reputation
KS never does anything fun like this
maddog55
675 Posts
180 Reputation
So glad that I make you sick. Will try harder to advance the cause.

Since you were not on my phone call with technician, it's impossible for you to assume I misunderstood anything. Have you actually spoken to their technical support staff?

If you read my other post, you would see and read the documentation and the manufacturer link to it. Take the time to do so before making snarky comments. You should also reread your own quote and notice the operative word "backup". The batteries provide just the power to retain the settings.

Had you taken the time to read and understand the documentation, you'd understand that although you have a c wire and for some reason chose not wire the thermostat with it, you'd realize that your thermostat is being powered as I described and not by your batteries. If you don't believe that, remove them altogether and see that the device still operates consistent with what the manufacturer designed using the low voltage wiring.

117 Comments

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Mar 17, 2022
444 Posts
Joined Jun 2011
Mar 17, 2022
soufdallas
Mar 17, 2022
444 Posts
thanks got my code andgot my discount on Honeywell Home
Wi-Fi Smart Color 7-Day Programmable Smart Thermostat with Color-Changing Touchscreen Display

got it for 65.99. its on sale for 129.99 but with code got it cheaper, SLICK DEAL!!!
1
Mar 17, 2022
3,907 Posts
Joined Jul 2012
Mar 17, 2022
desynergy
Mar 17, 2022
3,907 Posts
Quote from tyman :
KS never does anything fun like this Frown
Not sure which part of Kansas you're in, but if you're a Evergy customer, they have free Google Nests several times throughout the year. I think the last one was in November. I had to hook my aunt's up at Thanksgiving. (Overland Park, KS)
Mar 17, 2022
4,489 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Mar 17, 2022
tyman
Mar 17, 2022
4,489 Posts
Quote from desynergy :
Not sure which part of Kansas you're in, but if you're a Evergy customer, they have free Google Nests several times throughout the year. I think the last one was in November. I had to hook my aunt's up at Thanksgiving. (Overland Park, KS)
oh snap whaaaaaat

i get on their website a few times a year to see and they never have anything Frown
Mar 17, 2022
105 Posts
Joined Feb 2008
Mar 17, 2022
prsa01
Mar 17, 2022
105 Posts
Anyone know if this supports a zoned (6 wire) setup?

Thanks
Mar 17, 2022
3,907 Posts
Joined Jul 2012
Mar 17, 2022
desynergy
Mar 17, 2022
3,907 Posts
Quote from tyman :
oh snap whaaaaaat

i get on their website a few times a year to see and they never have anything Frown
Keep and eye on this site, though there's no offers currently available.
https://www.evergy.com/ways-to-sa...hermostats

And it really does depend on your state. Sadly, Kansas doesnt have a lot of energy savings programs as much as the surrounding states.

Edit: Yeah it looks like Missouri has $50 Nests and free ecobees right now.
Last edited by desynergy March 17, 2022 at 12:57 PM.
Mar 17, 2022
675 Posts
Joined Jun 2004
Mar 17, 2022
maddog55
Mar 17, 2022
675 Posts
Quote from Toller :
People like you make me sick. I asked you to document it because I believed you were wrong; not because I feel superior (though clearly I am). Instead of documenting it, you reference some conversation you misunderstood from a tech.

From the Emerson website:
"Two AA batteries (included) provide backup power that can last for months. However, if you have a c-wire, it is recommended that you connect it."

If you don't install a C wire, the batteries run out quickly. Could anything be clearer?
So glad that I make you sick. Will try harder to advance the cause.

Since you were not on my phone call with technician, it's impossible for you to assume I misunderstood anything. Have you actually spoken to their technical support staff?

If you read my other post, you would see and read the documentation and the manufacturer link to it. Take the time to do so before making snarky comments. You should also reread your own quote and notice the operative word "backup". The batteries provide just the power to retain the settings.

Had you taken the time to read and understand the documentation, you'd understand that although you have a c wire and for some reason chose not wire the thermostat with it, you'd realize that your thermostat is being powered as I described and not by your batteries. If you don't believe that, remove them altogether and see that the device still operates consistent with what the manufacturer designed using the low voltage wiring.
Mar 17, 2022
449 Posts
Joined Mar 2022
Mar 17, 2022
StickDealsSukz
Mar 17, 2022
449 Posts
Quote from maddog55 :
So glad that I make you sick. Will try harder to advance the cause.

Since you were not on my phone call with technician, it's impossible for you to assume I misunderstood anything. Have you actually spoken to their technical support staff?

If you read my other post, you would see and read the documentation and the manufacturer link to it. Take the time to do so before making snarky comments. You should also reread your own quote and notice the operative word "backup". The batteries provide just the power to retain the settings.

Had you taken the time to read and understand the documentation, you'd understand that although you have a c wire and for some reason chose not wire the thermostat with it, you'd realize that your thermostat is being powered as I described and not by your batteries. If you don't believe that, remove them altogether and see that the device still operates consistent with what the manufacturer designed using the low voltage wiring.
What a weird dude that toller guy is
1
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Mar 17, 2022
788 Posts
Joined Mar 2008
Mar 17, 2022
cvrefugee
Mar 17, 2022
788 Posts
Powering methods

Battery: 2 AA batteries

Wired: 20 to 30 VAC through terminals C and Rc or Rh

NEC class II, 50/60 Hz

https://sensi.emerson.com/en-us/p...thermostat
Mar 18, 2022
51 Posts
Joined Jul 2012
Mar 18, 2022
zoso28
Mar 18, 2022
51 Posts
Quote from gordgeck :
Aren't these the type the power company can shut you down if demand usage is high?
You're probably thinking of the new digital meters that they can read and control from HQ (The big thing usually on the outside of a house with a wheel or digital counter). There aren't any thermostats I'm aware of that your utility company could access without your permission
4
Mar 18, 2022
823 Posts
Joined Oct 2018
Mar 18, 2022
dmcccdmn
Mar 18, 2022
823 Posts
Meh, Sensi Smart isn't that great and it's not even free. Previous deals for Ecobee or Nest were way better. I'd wait for those to come back.
3
Mar 18, 2022
1 Posts
Joined Sep 2016
Mar 18, 2022
sanitarium16
Mar 18, 2022
1 Posts
Quote from kdiggz :
they say it doesn't need a c-wire but my use case shows otherwise. it stopped working on 15 out of 16 furnaces I tried it on
It does. I actually got this on promo for $4 in December. They make a product called fast stat that you don't need to run a c wire and it works.
1
Mar 18, 2022
1,017 Posts
Joined Oct 2004

This comment has been rated as unhelpful by Slickdeals users.

Mar 18, 2022
156 Posts
Joined May 2016
Mar 18, 2022
ColloidalSilver
Mar 18, 2022
156 Posts
Anyone remember years ago when some smart thermostat did an update that left millions without heat in the middle of winter? I don't see any good reason to trust some unknown aholes with your safety.
3
Mar 18, 2022
325 Posts
Joined Jun 2018
Mar 18, 2022
travelkin
Mar 18, 2022
325 Posts
I don't think these are for apartment building dwellers (condos/co-ops). My building only provides heat. There's no central air.
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Mar 18, 2022
290 Posts
Joined Dec 2007
Mar 18, 2022
BadMouth
Mar 18, 2022
290 Posts
I have this and use it with an old HEAT ONLY OIL FURNACE which only had two wires going to the thermostat.

If this is your case, here is what you need to know:

This Wifi thermostat will work with your furnace, but will need a separate 24 volt AC (not DC) power supply that is rated for 150-400mA (per emerson's website). Your old furnace does have a transformer in it capable of supplying 24VAC (via the RC/RH jumper), but it is likely that it is not large enough to supply the extra power required by the Wifi thermostat, at least not reliably and long term. Using the transformer already in an old oil heat only system could lead to the old transformer failing.

"Wall Wart" type transformers are available, but the wire from them is not rated for in-wall installation. It is fine to use these, but installed properly you will have the wiring on the outside of the wall and the wall wart plugged in to an outlet.

I did not want to trust in a cheap wall wart, so installed a separate hard wired 24VAC transformer inside the furnace and ran a second set of thermostat wires to carry the power to the thermostat. Side note: the transformer will read much higher than 24VAC on a meter that is not true RMS and will read a bit high on a true RMS meter because there is no load on it. This was my first time working with AC other than 110v.

Refer to Emerson's website for where to connect the 24VAC. (It also instructs you to cut the RC/RH jumper wire on the back of the thermostat, which feels rather permanent to me)

I've had the thermostat for a couple months and am very happy with it.
I always kept the house cool at night using an older schedule based thermostat. It worked, but sucked when I would wake up early and the house was cold. Now I can turn the heat up from my phone. Very happy that I went to the trouble of installing this.

EDIT: There is a $50 rebate available in Pennsylvania. If you purchase at Lowe's or Home Depot, the rebate is automatically deducted. I had Home Depot price match Amazon then apply the rebate so ended up paying $50 for it. The price on Amazon fluctuates, so it would be possible to do better if you waited for a price drop.
Last edited by BadMouth March 18, 2022 at 05:49 AM.

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