(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best home thermostats & accessories

Why are you going with the Lenovo instead of the GH Hub? Are you wanting the camera feature? Third party devices aren't kept up to date as well as original devices but if you want the camera featue, the GH Hub isn't for you.

Google Mini, not Dot. Dot is Alexa :)

I have had 110% flawless, drama free operations with my TP-Link smart lights and TP-Link smart outlets. They require NO hub. They set up in seconds and work. YMMV but they don't just work "most of the time" or "pretty good" and I'm not "for the most part" happy. They work ALL of the time, perfectly and I'm extremely satisfied with their products.

I don't have a Nest thermostat. My goal wasn't to buy the "it" product of the moment and I wanted all my info on the screen without having to dial it in. I have this one and it has been almost flawless. The Honeywell servers have been down a couple of times in the year I've had it. But, as with other smart thermostats, you can still operate them manually if the service goes down temporarily.

Honeywell TH9320WF5003 WiFi 9000 Color Touchscreen Thermostat

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G4CIG7M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can't offer any advice on the TV except to say I've read that Google's Chromecast is a better product than Roku. Have no idea tho.

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.o^O(1900ft/sq ^is ^small?)

Any chance you can have them run a few extra drops to wall plates on the ceilings? It's much more convenient and easier to handle for AP.

If not, what you're doing will work but you might consider moving AP a bit. Leave the wifi on your router on, and put the Ubiquity semi-centered in another part of the house. That way you have two AP working instead of just one. You can always add AP later and turn off the Wifi on the router, too. If you can post a floor plan or a basic layout it would be helpful.

There are lots of PoE switches on the market, the most cost-effective for you will probably be something like a 16 port that has 8 ports powered and 8 ports unpowered. There's no such thing (That I know of) of a PoE router, but even if there is you don't need it. PoE is a data-agnostic way to transfer power, so there's no "PoE-compatible", just does it transmit PoE or receive PoE.

No clue on the Eecobee thing.

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Also, if you want Amazon links that aren't terrible you can click the Share link on the Amazon page and copy out the short url.

So the large URL you have for the Eecobee looks like this now: https://amzn.com/B017S7DDWY or it can also just look like this.

Also also, if you Amazon regularly and you haven't yet, go to https://smile.amazon.com and set up Amazon Smile.

Also also also, good luck with your new home!

Good choices. Z-Wave in particular is a great platform. It's supported by a hundred manufacturers. It's super low power - Z-Wave devices can have battery life of several years. Z-Wave devices can run with standalone open-source hubs, so you can avoid dependencies on third parties. You can configure SmartThings so most automations happen in the hub, without Internet activity - specifically "Smart Lighting SmartApp" actions like time or sunset-based lighting, or a motion detector turning on a light.

I am not a fan of Wi-Fi smart home devices. Wi-Fi has high power requirements and generally can't run on batteries; it's often in a congested radio band; and most Wi-Fi smart devices rely on proprietary cloud services so if the vendor shuts down your device stops working.

I have a Schlage Connect lock, but that's largely because I already had Schlage locks in my home so it was easy to rekey it to match. I can remotely lock and unlock the door, check the lock status, and add codes for visitors.

For a thermostat, you can use a relatively inexpensive GoControl or Radio Thermostat model. People love the styling of Nest and Ecobee devices but they have no functional advantages over these cheaper units. I have the GoControl model with an external 24V transformer - it's worked great for three years.

Your camera setup will probably remain separate from your home automation.

A budget of $4000-5000? That's a lot for me.

I'd suggest some Smart Bulbs or Smart Light Switches depending on a few factors.

If your room has a neutral wire or not (most smart switches require it except the Lutron Casetas).

If you want color (Most Smart LightBulbs do).

And if you enough electrical knowledge or not.

The Gosund Light Bulbs are great for the price based on reviews and price.

https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Color-Controlled-Compatible-Assistant-Equivalent/dp/B07G2CM96F/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=gosund&qid=1558588469&s=gateway&sprefix=gosund&sr=8-5

And for Light Switches. The Martin Jerry dimmable switches are great as well, I use them personally, pretty reliable for me.

https://www.amazon.com/Martin-Jerry-SmartLife-Dimming-Assistant/dp/B07FXYSVR1/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=martin+jerry&qid=1558588565&s=gateway&sr=8-6

If you are a homekit user, I don't know what to do for you.

Anyways.
Another thing I'd recommend is smart plugs, find out which devices would turn on automatically or go back to it's plugged state after being plugged in.

My personal recommendation for smart plugs would be the TanTan smart plugs, I also personally use them, found them in the Flea Market, 4 plugs for $10. If you could find them for the same amount and price, it's a go.

https://www.amazon.com/TanTan-Wireless-Required-Anywhere-Upgraded/dp/B071VYFJRL/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=tantan&qid=1558588840&s=gateway&sr=8-5

They even use the same app as the light devices I just mentioned!

Now for thermostats.

It really matters on what smart speaker system you're using.

Ecobee = Alexa compatible

https://www.amazon.com/ecobee-EB-STATE3LT-02-ecobee3-Smart-Thermostat/dp/B06W56TBLN/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=ecobee&qid=1558588938&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Nest = Google Assistant compatible

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nest-thermostat-e-white/6051016.p?skuId=6051016


If you're a DIY guy...
The Sonoff switch is going to be perfect, it's only $5 at Sonoff's website anyways, but I can't find the buy page, so I'll put an amazon link instead.

https://www.amazon.com/Sonoff-Electrical-Household-Appliances-Compatible/dp/B07BDFDHX9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=sonoff&qid=1558589310&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Last thing, is a smart speaker, there are so many different brands, but I'll just suggest 2 from different Assistant Platforms.

Alexa:

https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-Dot-3rd-Gen/dp/B0792K2BK6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=amazon+echo&qid=1558589424&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Google Assistant:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-home-mini-smart-speaker-with-google-assistant-chalk/6082194.p?skuId=6082194

Okay, that's just my long list of unnecessary suggestions, you don't have to take it, it's just the products i'd say to consider.

I so very much want to justify purchasing these for the two A/C units in our house, but the truth is that it would probably result in very little cost savings compared to the programmable thermostats we currently have, at $68 a pop on Amazon.

Looked purely in terms of of cost savings, the only advantages I can see the Nest has over the conventional programmable thermostat are:

1. Able to change temperature remotely, so if you're away for a while (e.g. on vacation) and don't remember to change your settings, you can still do so from remote
   
   
2. Sensing your absence, so it can automatically shut off when you haven't been around a while, though this is less useful if your thermostat is in a place you don't usually pass by in your daily living
   
   Of course, aside from a purely cost savings point of view, there's advantages like convenience of programming (learning vs. punching in settings for every day), seeing your usage history, and, of course, coolness factor. But, looking at the cost savings point of view, it's hard to see how much the above advantages would add up to ($250 2 thermostats) - ($68 2 thermostats) = $364 in savings when the programmable thermostat is already reducing my energy usage a good amount.
   
   It's somewhat similar to hybrid cars, where the premium you pay for a hybrid often outweighs the cost savings from less gas over the lifetime over the car. Has anyone switched from a regular programmable thermostat to the Nest and noted significantly reduced energy usage? As I said, I'm just itching to get these, but so far it just doesn't seem like a good investment over what I have now.

I'm pretty happy with my Honeywell WiFi thermostat. Schedule interface on PC desktop is really well designed, easy to use. Phone app is neat - I can see what's up with my A/C or heat, indoor temp, etc., at a glance.


I just wish it would give me reports like the Nest or Ecobee.

My thermostat is within arm's reach of where I'm sitting right now and it reads 70. I can agree, it's very different from 70 in the summer. I generally use blankets as necessary to keep things comfortable. Having a cat on your lap also helps.

I have an unfinished basement with field stone foundation. It doesn't leak, thankfully, but it is a little damp after the rain from the past couple days. The dehumidifier prevents things from getting too humid, though. I have forced air heat with a gas furnace and the dehumidifier is near it, keeping the air that's circulated fairly dry.

A cold basement could be part of your issue. Warm air rises, so if you can get the basement warm, it could go a long way to keep the first floor warm. It will take a lot of energy to get the air in your living room so warm that it makes the floor warm. I can keep things tolerable in my house by winterizing my basement - the cellar door and windows are sealed with weather stripping - and opening one of the air vents. Most of the air still comes into the rest of the house, but the floor is warm, and that goes a long way.

edit: If you have forced air heat, I highly recommend a programmable thermostat like this Honeywell Thermostat. I've had that one for about two years now and I love it. Letting the house get a little colder when I'm asleep or at work cut my heating bill in half compared to the year before I got it. It's set to 70 when I'm here and awake and 62 otherwise.

If you are looking at the Sensi Emerson at $120-$140 I would probably just go for the ecobee lite. I have the regular ecobee and it is pretty cool. It gives you all kinds of data and is really easy to program and their app is pretty good. Plus it's compatible with all smart home ecosystems.

It also comes with an adapter thing if you don't have a common wire. So you can install it either way.

FYI

I've got one of these pieces of Chinese mystery manufacturing.

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Temperature-Controller-Electric-Thermostat/dp/B07DFBXQGZ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=thermostatic+wireless+receptacle&qid=1569066213&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Put a big cheap box fan in a window blowing out, plugged into this, put the thermostat next to your bed (must have bed AND open windows) set it and it will hold that temperature like a champ. Best thing to come out of China since fireworks.

I have two options for you!

1. The Ecobee smart thermostat has remote thermometers. You can program what time of day it pays attention to which sensor. Easy peasy, for a few hundred dollars.
   
   
2. For a cheaper and more DIY approach, you could wire a Sonoff smart switch in line with your existing thermostat, connect it to a home automation setup with a smart sensor, and program it to override the thermostat when the upstairs gets too cool. Slightly more difficult, but also about $210 cheaper...
   
   Edit: I also hear good things about the Honeywell Redlink stuff, which seems more geared to the professional/commercial HVAC area than the more consumer-oriented Ecobee and other smarthome thermostats if that's of interest to you.

There is no product that will keep the house to a very small temp range. There needs to be a buffer range between hot and cool modes to prevent alternating calls for heat and air conditioning.

I don't know why you'd want to keep a constant temp though. The point of a programmable is to have the temp change when you're not home or when you're sleeping. For most people these days patterns are pretty predictable. But if you have your heart set on it, this Honeywell looks pretty close.

No doubt your remark was meant in jest, but to set the story straight, the ecobee3 got its name because it was the third hardware model of thermostat released by ecobee (the ecobee Smart Si and EMS Si were more or less identical, with one targeting home owners and the other targeting commercial establishments). Here's a complete list of their thermostats:

• ecobee Smart Thermostat
  
• ecobee Smart Si & ecobee EMS Si
  
• ecobee3
  
• ecobee3 2nd generation with HomeKit support
  
• ecobee3 lite
  
• ecobee4
  

Cross-check where the wires come into your furnace/AC. If you're lucky, the wiring schematic will be by (or even in) your furnace.

Also, I would recommend http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RTH8580WF-Programmable-Touchscreen-Thermostats/dp/B00EP6C8UA/ref=lp_495354_1_13?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1415041551&sr=1-13

instead of the one you're looking at, especially for a heat-only system, unless
>Simple set-up with one touch weather and smart alerts

is a priority for you. I have the thermostat linked above - I have control over my system away from home, and saved $50.

This is probably way overkill unless you have the latest and greatest smart equipment. A nice simple programmable stat for a standard system would be a Honeywell Focuspro 6000.

http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-FocusPRO-6000-Programmable-Thermostat/dp/B000UQ2GCY

Yeah he needs to check under the fireplace. There's almost certainly an outlet there for the blower. I bought this millivolt switch that has its own app. It works really well and it's super simple to hook up.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDCL8P5/

I actually want the switch to keep power all the time (for WiFi access) and that is what had kept me stumped. I found an awesome presentation on gas fireplace valves and millivolt circuits that really opened my mind up to what is going on.

With that said, I just ordered an old round style thermostat from amazon that I plan to hook into the millivolt circuit.

I really appreciate the tips here, lead me to find the info I needed. Once it is all setup I will post pictures!

Thermostat

Ecobee3, 2nd Generation is what I have been using and it works really well. I love their dashboard and insights as well as the integration with homekit.

A touchscreen programmable thermostat. I bought a couple of these for friends and they love them.

If not this, how about a big Japanese wave?

Oh, awesome, thank you! I have a lux tx9000ts.

Just out of curiosity, is there one that has a Wifi connection that goes up to 99°?

> I found some Amazon reviews/comments with some good suggestions/directions

I think that is this thermostat? Here is a pic that seems useful: http://i.imgur.com/SnAKVkM.jpg

From what I can understand you need to know the Amperage of the humidifier, if it is more than 20A the relay won't be able to handle it.

I installed the same fan setup on my 94 about a year ago, works pretty good so far. For sensor placement I would suggest the left hand (if looking from the front) side closest to the battery. This way it's reading the temperature of coolant that has already passed through the radiator and about to go into the block.



Edit: I'm currently using this adjustable temp switch though I'm thinking about installing a couple of these programmable sensors to control the main 40amp relays that run the fans. Another thing to remember is to make sure you wire any automatic sensors to cut off with the engine. I love the idea of having my fans run a little extra to prevent boil over but they can drain your battery on a hot day.

I like my Lux GEO (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010PTKWW6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DqpyCbRSCRJ40)

I don’t have a c-wire, so the option to power the GEO with a 5W USB adapter works great for me with an outlet located near where my existing 2-wire “dumb” thermostat cable comes out of the wall for my furnace.

Nothing fancy, just replace the switch with a dial or other controller. My problem is that most units seem to have outlets like the one you linked, or they are too expensive for how simple I am trying to go.

Searching terms like "Air condition home switch" or "thermostat switch" gives me the things like what you linked. I guess what I should be asking is; can I use something like this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EANORW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_xNXGzb7JRRPGH)

Lots of good expensive options. Here's the budget option. You're welcome.

Wireless Temperature Controller

Arduino would be an overkill, but more fun. There are thermal switches with adjustable temperature for mains, used to turn on and off attic fans, etc. like this

Edit: as this might be a furnace or boiler there is a safety concern here. I don't know what the skill level here is but this isn't something that anyone can play with. Putting in an approved stat is one thing but making your own stat is asking for trouble.

HVAC controls person here, almost all equipment is 24vAC these days for control voltage. Something else that's a problem when converting from these old mechanical stats is they never ran a neutral/return wire. What you likely have is a 24v hot wire and the call for (assuming) heat wire. So now if you want to power something you are missing a wire to do that. If you get lucky you'll find they ran a multiconductor wire and you can just connect (blue or brown) to ground and have at it.

The amount of hassle here isn't worth it when you can go with a cheap battery powered stat like this
Lux Products TX9600TS Universal 7-Day Programmable Touch Screen Thermostat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044UYVFW

Just something like this, Homedepot/lowes should have them as well

http://www.amazon.com/RFTH95-Ventilator-Replacement-Thermostat-Automatic/dp/B000OZWVYO

Set a temperature, leave your current switch on and it will turn on and off the fan as the temperature rises.

If you can find a ct-101 (was the iris one) then you’ll be set. I have had three and they’ve all been great. SmartThings community has a device handler for them.


Radio Thermostat CT101 Zwave Thermostat/Batt Operated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E0LQ3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KjP4DbAPWTWRZ

Ignore the reviews

You can have all the features you listed above if you use the device handler and the eco stuff if you use core utils and spend a little time. Also I think the new SmartThings app device handler has some more abilities built in.

Although it may not look as cool as some of the others, I can recommend the Lux smart thermostat. It actually gets its power from 2 AA batteries, as opposed to having to hardwire the thermostat to your electric system.

https://www.amazon.com/Lux-Products-GEO-WH-Wi-Fi-Thermostat/dp/B010PTKWW6

My Dometic thermostat will increase temperature on its own like someone is pressing a button.

Thinking of getting something like this

This one is wireless and can be used with a variety of thermostats. What happens is the thermostat uses the reading off the wireless sensor instead of it's internal thermometer. That's just the first one I came across and it is Honeywell which is a common brand, but if you keep looking, you can see if you can find one that works with your thermostat, or you can pick up a new thermostat that works with this sensor. It's probably easier than running new wire.

Have you looked at the Ecobee 3 lite?

https://www.amazon.com/Ecobee3-Thermostat-Wi-Fi-Works-Amazon/dp/B01K48T09Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1481110668&sr=1-1&keywords=ecobee+lite

Or the Ecobee Smart Si?

https://www.amazon.com/ecobee-Thermostat-Heat-2-NON-Touch-Screen/dp/B008F40R4C/ref=sr_1_9?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1481110747&sr=1-9&keywords=ecobee

I haven’t tried this, but I believe this should work for you.

Durablow Fireplace Millivolt Valve WiFi Smart Home Remote Control Compatible Alexa & Google Home (ON/Off + Timer + Schedule Programmable) Model SH3001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDCL8P5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_luXZBb06YRF7T

Yup, the CT100 is pretty ugly - this is about as good as it gets and it's no Nest asthetic:


Remotec ZTS-500 Z-Wave Plus Smart Thermostat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JY98VG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Idz5Cb9AERK68

You really wouldn't want something like a smart switch due to the power draw when you initially turn on the air conditioner AND you wouldn't really be able to control it. You'd want something that can shoot commands to the AC (assuming it comes with a remote that's IR).

The following products all fulfill that niche!

• Remotec Z-Wave ZXT-120
  
  
• Tado
  
  
• The Pebble
  
  
• Ambi
  
  
• Altris
  
  
• Broadlink
  
  
• Flair Puck
  
  
• Nature Remo
  
  
• Rumy

https://www.amazon.com/Lux-TX9600TS-Universal-Programmable-Thermostat/dp/B0044UYVFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499881374&sr=8-1&keywords=lux+programmable+thermostat

I like it a lot. The 7-day programming is perfect for my work schedule (which changes day to day but not week to week.)

FYI, that unit is available on amazon for $30 cheaper

My pellet burning fireplace used a programmable RF remote, and I wanted to smartify it up some. so I found a smart remote that could emulate the fireplace thermostat remote, and it worked...kind of.

what happened was I could turn the fireplace on/off with Alexa commands...but the fireplace reciever and remote periodically sync'd to make sure it was on if supposed to be on, or off it was supposed to be off. so whatever I had Alexa do, the remote would undo it a few minutes later.

so i unhooked the remote and attached this wifi milivolt switch in its place and it's been exactly what I wanted.

I've lost the ability to easily control the on/off by house temperature, but that can be automated with IFTTT triggers.

I got one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010PTKWW6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can install it with a c-wire but if you don't have one you can put in batteries instead. I don't have a c-wire either and it's worked fine for several months.

For what it's worth, I also have a Honeywell. I've not had any connectivity issues.

These are wireless temperature sensors. From amazon: “This Honeywell Indoor Sensor is to be used with ComfortNet Thermostats to dispense temperature and humidity information to the thermostat.” source

Where did you get the lux wifi thermostat for $100? I only see it for $125-150 on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Lux-Products-GEO-WH-Wi-Fi-Thermostat/dp/B010PTKWW6

I believe it may be OEM'd by Honeywell. Looks kinda similar:

Honeywell TH9320WF5003 WiFi 9000 Color Touchscreen Thermostat, Works with Amazon Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G4CIG7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DbaOAbZC429FG

Or, you know, he could get a 110V thermostat.

https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Wi-Fi-Programmable-Touchscreen-Thermostat/dp/B00EP6C8UA

By the red wire I see R5, by the yellow, Y6 and by the white it just had 4. I tried a honeywell programmable, but it said the yellow wire was cooling , which didn't make sense because I don't have cooling.

So I can just buy one of these and be done with it?

Or maybe I'm way overthinking this. This should work: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFBXQGZ/

I was just looking into this myself and stumbled on this!

https://www.amazon.com/Durablow-Fireplace-Compatible-Programmable-SH3001/dp/B07DDCL8P5

very close. almost got that one but scooped up a cheaper one. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GGPMO2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1