Resource Center

General

What is a smart thermostat?

Conventional thermostats simply adjust the temperature in your home. Programmable thermostats let you set the temperature based on the time of day. What makes smart thermostats "smart" is their ability to program themselves.They learn from your living patterns and adjust accordingly. You can control the climate from your mobile device and even view your consumption statistics in real-time. The “smart” adjustments of the thermostat keep your furnace running as efficiently as possible, which can help avoid unnecessary wear and tear and keep your energy costs down.

 

Why Nextech?

Nextech Energy Systems is Chicagoland's premier smart-home and building automation specialist. Your property management has vetted and selected Nextech Energy Systems to provide this opportunity for you. Our technicians will install and program your new technology and put the latest advancements in energy management to work for your home. As an Illinois-licensed, bonded and insured installer, you can rely on Nextech to get the job done efficiently and affordably.

 

If I have more than one thermostat will I need to replace all of them?

Nextech recommends that you replace all of your existing thermostats to ensure optimal climate control of your home.

 

What if I have already purchased the units somewhere else, can Nextech still install them?

Nextech may be able to install previously purchased devices, however pricing and warranty may be effected. We highly recommend purchasing your devices directly through us as this will ensure that you receive the best possible price on your installation as well as the maximum available warranty coverage.

 

What is Line Voltage Conversion?

Fan coils and electric baseboards common in hi-rise buildings work with line-voltage thermostats, which can be either 120 or 240 volts. Smart thermostats by comparison use 24 volts. If you tried to hook up a low-voltage thermostat directly to a fan coil unit it would fry the thermostat. Nextech converts high voltage systems to a lower one with a prefabricated conversion kit. This requires specialized equipment used by a certified technician.

 

Products

What is the difference between Ecobee or Nest thermostats?

Nest and Ecobee are among the leading smart thermostat brands on the market today. To compare the two options side by side please follow this helpful link: https://nextechenergy.com/kinziestation/stats/KinzieStation-t1.pdf

 

Do smart thermostats work with other smart home products?

Yes! Nextech installed thermostats are fully compatible with a range of smart home integrations such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Works with Nest, and IFTTT among others.

 

Are there color options?

Ecobee thermostats are black. The Nest E comes in white. The Nest 3rd Gen standard color is stainless steel although it also comes in white, black, or copper. However, please be aware if you select a color other than stainless steel there may be a delay in delivery and installation.

 

Are there other backplate options available?

Yes! There are range of backplate color and style options for your thermostat. These can be added to your order via NextechSelect. The standard included style is white plastic.

 

What other products & services does Nextech offer?

You can customize your thermostat order via NextechSelect to include a variety of smart home products including cameras, wi-fi routers, smoke detectors, and more. Programming and integration is always included with your install.

 

What is a remote sensor? Do I need one?

Typically thermostats only read the temperature where they are physically located. Remote temperature sensors can be placed in other areas to allow your smart thermostat to know which room should be a certain temperature at a certain time of day. If you find that the temperature varies a lot from room to room then these are a great solution.

 

Installation Process

How do I order my new smart thermostat?

We make the buying process easy. Just visit https://shop.nextechenergy.com. Select your products and schedule your install quickly and comfortably from your computer or mobile device in just a few steps.

 

What do I need to do for my installation?

We will need:

1. Your ComEd account number.
2. For you to download the app and set up an account.
3. For you to have your wi-fi password available on installation day.

 

Where can I find my ComEd account number?

Your account number will be displayed on your monthly ComEd bill. You can also find it by logging into ComEd.com. If you cannot locate your bill and do not have an online account you can contract ComEd at 1-800-334-7661.

 

What can I expect on installation day?

Our professional installer(s) will arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled installation time. We will efficiently install and program your devices and then provide a brief demonstration. Afterwards we’ll have you sign off on the work order and be on our way.

 

Will I need to be home during installation?

It is best to be home during the installation as app set up and live demonstration is included with the install. However, in some situations accommodations can be made.

 

What if I need to reschedule my installation?

If you need to reschedule please contact us as soon as possible to make new arrangements.

 

Programming & Warranty

Will Nextech program my thermostat for me?

Nextech handles all of the initial setup and programming of your smart thermostat.

 

Can I change the settings on my thermostat once programmed?

Yes, smart thermostat settings may be changed or modified at your discretion.

 

What if I need to reset my thermostat?

Initial programming of your device is unique to your HVAC system. We highly recommend that you contact us prior to resetting to ensure the device still functions properly upon restart.

 

Is support available post-install?

Nextech provides the initial set up and demonstration for your device. Your resource for support going forward will be the product’s manufacturer (Nest, Ecobee, etc.) Their customer support and online resources are well equipped to answer your questions.

 

Will my thermostat be covered by a warranty?

Nextech’s labor warranty in 90 days from the installation date. The products come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers the device and certain products may include an extended warranty when purchased directly from Nextech.

See https://shop.nextechenergy.com/kpages/terms-of-service for details.

 

My thermostat temperature reads much higher than it actually is in the room. What is causing this?

This may be caused by a “Greenhouse Effect” ie: the sun shining through a window directly onto your thermostat and warming it. The thermostat will display the temperature it is reading from its location, which may be different from other parts of your home. You may be able to reduce this effect through your device’s advanced settings and by utilizing remote sensors.

 

What steps should I take if I believe my thermostat isn’t functioning correctly?

For basic troubleshooting and programming matters please reach out to your device manufacturer’s customer support. If you believe your issue is related to your unit’s HVAC system ie: motor, valves, fan coil, etc. you should contact your building’s engineer for assistance. If these steps have not resolved your issue or you believe the matter is directly related to the installation, please contact us.

 

What happens if I need to remove my thermostat from my account?

If you plan on removing your thermostat from your account we recommend notifying Nextech to ensure the device continues to function correctly.