New Thermostat (what is best)

[mrxmas]

Hi I would like to get an Insteon compatible Thermostat. I have a ISY 944i Pro system. I was wondering which is the best one out there. My current thermostat is from the 90's and works ok, but would like to control it thru the ISY and Mobilinc and my cell phone. Any advice and comments would be appreciated.

 

Thanks Steve

[Xathros]

Venstar with Insteon integrated/external Insteon adapter or a ZWave TStat. The latter requires the ISY ZWave dongle and module. I would avoid the Smartlabs native Insteon TStat for the time being as it appears to have some issues that have proven to be a challenge for many here.

 

-Xathros

[midrar]

While looking at the Smarthome forum, someone mentioned that the new nest thermostat is compatible with the hub. Any chance we can see this supported in the near future?

[shannong]

I agree with Xathros. I have previously owned the 2441TH (wired) and 2441ZTH (wireless) Insteon tstats and they were a complete headache. I haven't heard many complaints from those using the Venstar + Insteon modules.

 

I ended up getting a 2Gig Zwave tstat. Keep in mind that Zwave on the ISY is beta so you'll have a different set of headaches to deal with there.

 

I have found that temperature sensors and tstats to be the most problematic area for home automation so far.

[dss]

Looks like Insteon Hub has Nest integration. I hope ISY supports it soon:

 

http://www.slashgear.com/nest-thermosta ... -12320277/

 

Nest thermostat gets Insteon smart home integration

 

Smart home addicts relying on Nest for their HVAC can now hook the learning thermostat up to an Insteon automation system, integrating it with their lighting, security, and more. The new support, added in an update today to the Insteon Hub as well as the iOS and Android apps, allows Nest users to remotely control their home or office temperature.

 

That was of course already possible with Nest's own apps, which allow settings for the thermostat to be manually controlled remotely.

 

However, by pulling Nest into an Insteon installation, it means the thermostat can be integrated into macros, such as changing HVAC settings alongside lights. Insteon supports various timer- and motion-triggered actions, like unlocking doors or opening the garage, and so you could presumably have the heating turned up when you arrive home, even if that's outside the times that Nest itself has learned you're around.

 

Insteon relies on a combination of AC power line and wireless to communicate between devices, and is flexible enough to work with third-party devices like Revolv's Hub which we reviewed last year.

 

Meanwhile, Nest is believed to be one part of new owner Google's own smart home ambitions. According to rumors, the search giant is still harboring home automation ambitions that could include streaming media among other things.

 

You'll need an Insteon hub in order to use the new Nest integration, of course, which runs to $129.99 if you opt for the company's own model, while Nest itself is $249.

[shannong]

Looks like Insteon Hub has Nest integration. I hope ISY supports it soon:

 

 

I personally recommend against exposing home automation to the internet running on somebody else's servers. When they are hacked you are hacked. Especially a bad idea for those using integrated door locks or integrating their home security system.

 

Do you really want to expose your home usage data to Google like you do your browsing data so they can provide you with better advertising?

[BillB]

I've been using the Venstar T1700 one-day programmable with an attached Insteon 2441V. I've had no problems with these; they've been very reliable. I was hoping to use the Insteon 2441TH integrated thermostat for a cleaner look, but after hearing the horror stories about them I went with the Venstars instead.

[jmed999]

I don't really see what the debate is about with thermostats. The Venstar has been working for me flawlessly with the ISY. I wouldn't change a thing. I highly recommend the Venstar stat!

[max90034]

I have been using 2 venstar 1900 in main house house and one in vacation house with isy994s and had zero problems so far (knocking the wood)

[bmercier]

I'm using the Zwave Trane thermostat. It works flawlessly.

 

No issues with range either.

 

Benoit.