IFTTT Honeywell Total Connect Comfort Channel

[Scottmichaelj]

ITS HERE! FINALLY!

 

Honeywell Total Connect Comfort Channel with IFTTT

 

https://ifttt.com/honeywell_total_connect_comfort

 

*Now time to see if we can get the maker channel or ISY portal working with this! I been waiting for something like this to happen for my Honeywell WiFi Thermostats for a LONG time!

[smokegrub]

huddahudda:

 

I have been reviewing the Honeywell RTH958OWF or Insteon 2441TH as possible replacements for my old thermostats. I have a 2441ZTH at a remote location so I am familiar with its strengths and weaknesses, however, I have no experience with the Honeywell or HTTP. I did a quick review of the site you referred to and I remain pretty much in the dark about the Honeywell and HTTP. Programming the thermostat and controlling it remotely are essential. Would you mind sharing or pointing me where I can learn more? What led you to the Honeywell? Why are you so excited about Honeywell Connect Comfort? Thanks.

[Scottmichaelj]

huddahudda:

 

I have been reviewing the Honeywell RTH958OWF or Insteon 2441TH as possible replacements for my old thermostats. I have a 2441ZTH at a remote location so I am familiar with its strengths and weaknesses, however, I have no experience with the Honeywell or HTTP. I did a quick review of the site you referred to and I remain pretty much in the dark about the Honeywell and HTTP. Programming the thermostat and controlling it remotely are essential. Would you mind sharing or pointing me where I can learn more? What led you to the Honeywell? Why are you so excited about Honeywell Connect Comfort? Thanks.

Smoke, the reason I am excited about the IFTTT integration with Honeywell Total Connect is because Honeywell hasnt released any of the API to control their WiFi TStats. I had a custom home built and the HVAC company installed the Honeywell Prestige 2.0 TStats. However I had no way to control them via the ISY or my RTI remote system bc the apis were never released. So I have been looking at replacing my Honeywell TStats with the Venstar 7900 and using IOGuys NodeLink program. The issue is though I have a two zone system for upstairs and downstairs plus the Honeywell TrueFresh ventilation system (brings fresh air into the house) and booster pump that you can ramp up to bring fresh air in the house. This is nice so the air isnt stale and sucks out the bad odors when cooking. This poses a issue where you cant control everything with the Venstar.

 

So that being said the reason I am excited is now Amazon Echo works with triggers to IFTTT and now I can control my HVAC via voice. No need for an ISY. When/if the ISY does get IFTTT integration this will add additional benefits like using the weather module to control the system etc. My RTI remote system now can access IFTTT so with this addition that means I can also use my remote.

 

That being said if you dont have anything yet you may want to still look at the Venstar and IOGuys programs. Then compare the two. If I didnt have the Honeywell with the special features/additions, then I might lean more towards buying the Venstar. The one thing I still am missing is the current settings two way feedback with Honeywell, the Venstar does. I still have the Honeywell app that I can use for this.

 

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

[MWareman]

I got rid of my Honeywell stat over a year ago due to their lack of local api. I still won't put it back - thermostats need local control. My current one is a Trane zwave stat.

 

Good on them for finally having IFTTT integration. Makes sense for one cloud service to integrate with another, and it provides the ISY community a path to control it via the Maker channel. This just seems to be cloud for cloud sake. Still relies on the cloud connection for ISY to be able to set the stat. Not for me...

[smokegrub]

Thanks for the feedback. I fear I am an out of my comfort zone (pun intended) when it comes to selecting a thermostat. I am inclined to favor the Insteon simply because of its conformity to the ISY/Insteon in my current setup. However, I don't want to blindly adhere to that course when alternatives may be far superior.  Following the discussion of thermostats on this forum leaves me of the opinion that most of you don't hold the Insteon thermostat in high regard. If my observation is, in fact, correct, it would be very helpful if some of those negatives were called out.

 

My goals for replacement thermostats are:

1. Remote control - Via the Mac and iPhone

2. Programmable - Preferably directly and via an app available for the Mac and the iPhone

3. Dependable - No runoffs with extreme heating or cooling

4. Reporting - Ability to send notifications

5. Easy to Install and Setup

6. User Friendly

 

Thoughts?

[Teken]

It always boggles my mind to see huge companies move toward services which are really a flash in the pan ideas. They won't release the API for the TSTAT yet they will allow a person to connect to a half baked cloud service for control?!?!?

 

I just have to shake my head in disbelief as to the mind set and long term goal of some of these companies. Its no wonder companies like these have lost massive ground in their respective product segments.

 

I know its the latest fad for lots of folks but lets all be real here.

 

Services like IFTT are used by companies because its popular, not because its the best method to interact with a device. The never ending of catering to the stupid is simply incredible to see.

 

Regardless, I am indeed happy for those who have been waiting forever for some kind of connection method that did not exist before.

 

NOTE: Members should not take my complete disgust and disdain for services like IFTT as a reflection upon their use of such services. My complete and utter hate is toward the never ending cloud dependencies which every Tom, Dick, and Harry seems to focus upon.

 

I really hope to see the Internet explode one day and see how the billions of sheeple come to lose their minds wondering *How am I going to control that device*? Because the cloud is sad or the company behind said services decided to charge for it or abandon it for other more profitable LOB's.

 

End Rant . . .

 

Carry on . . . 

[mwester]

Smoke, the reason I am excited about the IFTTT integration with Honeywell Total Connect is because Honeywell hasnt released any of the API to control their WiFi TStats. I had a custom home built and the HVAC company installed the Honeywell Prestige 2.0 TStats. However I had no way to control them via the ISY or my RTI remote system bc the apis were never released. So I have been looking at replacing my Honeywell TStats with the Venstar 7900 and using IOGuys NodeLink program. The issue is though I have a two zone system for upstairs and downstairs plus the Honeywell TrueFresh ventilation system (brings fresh air into the house) and booster pump that you can ramp up to bring fresh air in the house. This is nice so the air isnt stale and sucks out the bad odors when cooking. This poses a issue where you cant control everything with the Venstar.

 

So that being said the reason I am excited is now Amazon Echo works with triggers to IFTTT and now I can control my HVAC via voice. No need for an ISY. When/if the ISY does get IFTTT integration this will add additional benefits like using the weather module to control the system etc. My RTI remote system now can access IFTTT so with this addition that means I can also use my remote.

 

That being said if you dont have anything yet you may want to still look at the Venstar and IOGuys programs. Then compare the two. If I didnt have the Honeywell with the special features/additions, then I might lean more towards buying the Venstar. The one thing I still am missing is the current settings two way feedback with Honeywell, the Venstar does. I still have the Honeywell app that I can use for this.

 

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

 

This troubles me... so, basically, you are content to have your home's environment -- and potentially your health -- dependent upon your internet connection, Honeywell's internet connection and internal servers, as well as on an independent third party's (IFTTT) internet connection, servers, and programming?

 

I shudder at the thought.  My HVAC system has multiple levels of fail-safe controls, and is dependent upon as little externally (and internally for that matter!) as I can make it.  Why my power fails, I'll still have heat, and complete control, even when running on a propane tank and a portable generator.

[Teken]

This troubles me... so, basically, you are content to have your home's environment -- and potentially your health -- dependent upon your internet connection, Honeywell's internet connection and internal servers, as well as on an independent third party's (IFTTT) internet connection, servers, and programming?

 

I shudder at the thought.  My HVAC system has multiple levels of fail-safe controls, and is dependent upon as little externally (and internally for that matter!) as I can make it.  Why my power fails, I'll still have heat, and complete control, even when running on a propane tank and a portable generator.

 

I can see the value the OP has for such a integrating given the fact there was nothing before. So this is leaps and bounds from nothing to something.

 

But like you I share the same mind set about independent and isolated networks etc. I am probably the only guy here that has no less than six smart TSTAT's in their home.

 

Yet not one of them is connected to my HVAC system . . .

 

One has to beg to ask the question why?

 

TSTAT technology has been around and proven for 35 plus years. There isn't anything new to offer besides user features or the level of access and control before the whole Internet age came to be.

 

As you indicated (quote) above I can't see anything going wrong here, not!

 

The world is full of prying eyes and at every turn someone is trying to monetize or gather specific data for their own personal gain. The fact a company can determine if you're home what room you're sitting in along with having complete command and control of your homes HVAC system.

 

How could it ever go wrong?!?!?

 

I can tell you with 100% certainty the first time you read about some poor soul who came home from Mexico to get away from the cold winter. Only to find out his entire house has just exploded due to frozen water pipes. Because the system had a glitch that over road the local settings.

 

You're going to see the next big wave of law suits you have never seen before . . . Keeping in mind 99% of these cloud hosted services in the TOS (Terms Of Service) have already made you waive your rights against any possible, future, or real loss.

 

Bottom line: People really need to consider at what level convenience is worth over having a rock solid device that has only one purpose in life. That is to ensure the home is at the correct temperature at all times with out some kind of outside influence(s). 

[Scottmichaelj]

Thanks for the feedback. I fear I am an out of my comfort zone (pun intended) when it comes to selecting a thermostat. I am inclined to favor the Insteon simply because of its conformity to the ISY/Insteon in my current setup. However, I don't want to blindly adhere to that course when alternatives may be far superior.  Following the discussion of thermostats on this forum leaves me of the opinion that most of you don't hold the Insteon thermostat in high regard. If my observation is, in fact, correct, it would be very helpful if some of those negatives were called out.

 

My goals for replacement thermostats are:

1. Remote control - Via the Mac and iPhone

2. Programmable - Preferably directly and via an app available for the Mac and the iPhone

3. Dependable - No runoffs with extreme heating or cooling

4. Reporting - Ability to send notifications

5. Easy to Install and Setup

6. User Friendly

 

Thoughts?

Smoke, check out the Venter T7900 - I believe everything you want is available with that TStat. I don't want to get this thread too far off topic. If you search the forums here you will find a ton of information and even posts by me asking other members about it.

 

 

This troubles me... so, basically, you are content to have your home's environment -- and potentially your health -- dependent upon your internet connection, Honeywell's internet connection and internal servers, as well as on an independent third party's (IFTTT) internet connection, servers, and programming?

 

I shudder at the thought.  My HVAC system has multiple levels of fail-safe controls, and is dependent upon as little externally (and internally for that matter!) as I can make it.  Why my power fails, I'll still have heat, and complete control, even when running on a propane tank and a portable generator.

Really? You "shudder at the thought" and are troubled by HVAC being controlled via the internet? I can understand your reservations and concerns but I think your being a bit dramatic. Whats the worst that can happen? Someone hacks in and they lower your temp to the max or lowest it can go? Big deal. I think most TStats can be set to the highest and lowest so even if someone took control they could only set it between 65 to 80 maybe. Plus if you have notifications you could see if something funky was happening, if the temp raises or cools +/-5 degrees in a set timeframe or if it stays the same for a long period at your set points. Maybe I am naive but I just think there are more important things to worry about than someone messing around with my HVAC.

 

That being said I still think the Venter T7900 TStat is still in my future to replace these Honeywell's but I will still connect them to the internet. Plus its not like you HAVE to use the internet to control them, you can do it locally from the device. You also bring up a good point about power loss so I need to add this to my "to do list" and make sure my HVAC system is setup to work on the "to be installed" generator. I need a 27kwh or more size generator for my home and I haven't spent the $10K+ to get one installed since I really haven't had power issues since I been here. Maybe its because I live next to a electrical substation? I joke that since my neighborhood is full of M$oft minions, most work from home, so Bill Gates controls the power as he can't have them without power and not working.

 

EDIT: Grammer/my joke.

[Scottmichaelj]

Hey Teken and wester stop being those grumpy old men with conspiracy theories! (I joke)

 

With all seriousness though, where do you draw the line? You don't use a cellphone because it has tracking capabilities? No GPS in your car? Maybe not even a new car because it has a "black box" and you don't want the insurance to know how you drive? I mean to what end really? You can go pretty far down the rabbit hole.

 

To that, hopefully your using good VPNs, a private DNS server and private emails because you know the government is watching you!

[Teken]

Hey Teken and wester stop being those grumpy old men with conspiracy theories! (I joke)

 

With all seriousness though, where do you draw the line? You don't use a cellphone because it has tracking capabilities? No GPS in your car? Maybe not even a new car because it has a "black box" and you don't want the insurance to know how you drive? I mean to what end really? You can go pretty far down the rabbit hole.

 

To that, hopefully your using good VPNs, a private DNS server and private emails because you know the government is watching you!

 

LOL, all good points . . .

 

Let me first frame this reply in hopes of expanding my thoughts so this doesn't come off as an entire rant. Keeping in mind some of the comments I will lay out is intended in some (cases) general in nature. Where as others are specific because it just has to be and in no instance is this directed toward you.

 

OK, LMAO  . . .

 

First lets quote one of the most famous lines ever uttered by a movie / comic book.

 

Spidy's Uncle Ben: With great power, comes great responsibility 

 

 

We are all here today because we saw great value in integrating, automating, and having remote access to things in our lives. It really comes down to personal choice where that mythical line is drawn. Many stop at the very beginning where everything is none HA and is found all around the world like a toggle switch, round TSTAT, dead bolt, etc.

 

Next, we have those that see value in upgrading some of these common items to allow more control. Next, we see people who want more access whether it be local vs remote. Now, the next big fad is allowing people global access which integrates with everything with out any formal knowledge of software, hardware, connectivity, etc.

 

The problem lies in the fact we are not living in 1980 anymore. We do not enjoy the life of simply going through life with out worry or concern about others trying to be bad.

 

Yes, criminals have been around as long as there have been whores and prostitutes.

 

But the reality is should you make it that much easier for them to do bad deeds? Now, we are in 2015 and moving forward to 2016 and one only needs to read any random news paper about some pimpled face kid, terrorist, Government, all dedicated to one thing.

 

That is to breach, enter, and use these devices to their own needs and goals. Just the American government has shown a complete disregard for privacy, security, and compliance with International law. If it wasn't for people like Edward Snowden American would still be living in a dream land thinking their government had their best intentions at the core.

 

Not . . .

 

The PRISM program now defunct since this past month which has now been replaced with another misguided and abuse of power is the next iteration of your rights and civil liberties all going away.

 

Couple this with huge companies all being told they must provide some kind of back door method to access their hardware. Apple thus far has stood fast and said they will not create a back door into their iOS platform.

 

Time will tell how long this will last given if a law is past they must comply. As this leads to the next issue with respect to other companies like Google. People laugh when you actually state they will in time the real iteration of the movie Terminators SkyNET.

 

Why??

 

Because this single company has the man power, financial resources, technological business's in their arsenal to become SkyNET.

 

There isn't one company outside of the American Government that has so much technology geared toward data collection, robotics, communications, pervasive systems, and connectivity in all industries.

 

What is SkyNET?

 

SkyNET is a computer system that has eyes, hands, feet, and a massive brain to aggregate data, collate it, disseminate it, and then provide a solution or outcome. Why does a search engine company know what phrase or terms you're asking about?

 

Why does a search engine company use a orbiting satellite to capture every square feet of the Earth? Why does this company have street driven vehicles showing real world views and current lay of the land?

 

Why does this company have their OS, hardware, Internet services, in every industry?

 

What does a search engine company have to do with combat military robots?

 

What could they ever want to do with making a home router? Thermostat NEST, Smoke Alarm, Security camera (Drop Cam) etc.

 

Why are they in face & voice recognition, self driven vehicles, global high altitude ISP services?

 

Do you see the hands, eyes, feet, and brain now?

 

Just this one company I have listed has complete knowledge of your life in every way you can imagine. They know where your house is and can map to it with the fastest route. The know and can and have read your emails (GMAIL) and they know what sites you go to (Google Search) they know at the local level everything about your network (Router) and if you so allow them they know how warm your aszz needs to be because the NEST TSTAT will tell them.

 

And just because they want to make sure you're all safe and sound they will summarily look at you via their Drop Cam.

 

Nice huh?

 

If the GF burns the XMAS turkey they will know because you guessed it they are connected too it. You search for the term nuclear bomb, how to make a bomb, how to kill purple people.

 

Guess what?

 

Your aszz has just been flagged and is being sent to your most trusted American department of the CIA, NSA, FBI, Home Land, what ever alphabet they can think of.

 

This has nothing to do with being paranoid or whether a person is a tin foil hat nut. This is the real world we all live in because they like many before them use fear to drive purpose. Liberties which tens of thousands fought for are either gone or vastly reduced in their original meaning.

 

Companies exist for one purpose and that is profit  . . . 

 

The one's that say they exist for none profit are the biggest liars, thief's, and scammers on the planet. 

 

No one has to take my word for what this one company is involved in or is capable of becoming. Look at this massive list that has security, Internet, ISP, Voice, Email, Mobile Payment, Cloud Storage, AI, computers, cell phones, tablets, etc:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mergers_and_acquisitions_by_Google

 

If you have read this far where do you draw the line?

 

The line is drawn where no other 3rd party service / company has any capability to access, control, know how warm my aszz is!

 

Ha . . .

[Scottmichaelj]

LOL, all good points . . .

 

Well since we have totally taken this topic off the rails as you know I agree with you on most of your posts and points of views. You raise valid arguments and points of views that should make anyone with half a brain at least give some thought about. At the end of the day are we as a society loosing our privacy and civil freedoms? In my opinion yes. I believe the internet, large companies and government are to blame to a certain degree but also we as individuals are responsible too as we continue to allow this to happen. As the older generation still holds on to some of these basic liberties and see this happen, the newer generation of children/young adults have no idea this is happening and following along like lemmings. My motto in life is, everything in moderation. You have to weigh your choices and decide whats best for you and your family. Unlike most people my age I don't have a Facebook account, but I do have a twitter. I am guilty of using products and services that track me and know more about me then probably my parents do. However to a certain extent as I already made clear, I don't care who knows that my house is kept at 68F year round. I don't care who reads my emails or listens to my conversations (via Amazon Echo). I personally don't feel like I have anything of value nor anything really to hide. That being said I am not going to post things on FB and share every whim with the world but if my webcam was hacked all you would see is a dude sitting in front of a computer looking at a monitor.

 

I think as long as we keep the constitution intact then for the most part we should be safe.

[mwester]

huddudduda, no conspiracy theory here, nor am I even considering the "bad guys"!  No need to - I've spent much of my life supporting software, and my experience is simple human error, be it operations or coding mistake, is all that's necessary for something to go wrong.

 

Living where I do, the weather is a bit more extreme than Seattle -- when the outside temps near 30 below zero, it doesn't take long for a house to freeze when the furnace (for example) gets switched from "Heat" to "A/C" mode due to a programming glitch on IFTTT's server or whereever.  That's what makes me shudder.

[Scottmichaelj]

huddudduda, no conspiracy theory here, nor am I even considering the "bad guys"!  No need to - I've spent much of my life supporting software, and my experience is simple human error, be it operations or coding mistake, is all that's necessary for something to go wrong.

 

Living where I do, the weather is a bit more extreme than Seattle -- when the outside temps near 30 below zero, it doesn't take long for a house to freeze when the furnace (for example) gets switched from "Heat" to "A/C" mode due to a programming glitch on IFTTT's server or whereever.  That's what makes me shudder.

 

Guess my point really was just that people take all this time and effort to protect their privacy while not realizing how other items they still use in their daily lives are not private at all. For example GPS, cellphones, FB just to name a few. Then where do you draw the line? I think there could be more serious concerns about the safety of having your money in the bank vs what my house temp is.

 

Still doesn't change the fact I still think your wearing a tin foil hat while you sit in a bunker typing on your typewriter. 

[mwester]

   I have a metal roof -- no need for a tin-foil hat!  

[Teken]

LOL . . .

 

I love the banter this is why this forum is fun to discuss random topics. Now, not for a second would I believe this new IFTT feature would not be used to its fullest potential in your own environment.

 

As mwester indicated there are too many other elements and outside factors that a reasonable person needs to be cognoscente about.

 

Can you imagine in the dead of winter a call for heat was not followed because someone, something, told the TSTAT to simply go to the off mode? That has nothing to do with setting the unit to be too hot, too cold, AC, what ever.

 

Just off . . .

 

Like you I have quite a few systems in place that I wish were smarter or had the ability to operate in a more integrated fashion with other products / services. So I absolutely understand where you're coming from and the excitement of seeing this little nugget finally appear.

 

All I am saying is Honeywell could have if they so desired released a public API for local access. Why is this such a big deal or something a person even needs to ask about?

 

Simply put many of these companies are in the belief if they tag along to the popular cloud hosted services this will bring in sales. The reality is it was done for control and their inability to use common sense in the deployment of this product.

 

I really can't wait for this whole cloud thing to just explode and go away because right now it caters to the stupid, inept, and those with no ability to think past today.

 

Company not withstanding!

 

Ha . . .

[Scottmichaelj]

LOL . . .

 

I love the banter this is why this forum is fun to discuss random topics. Now, not for a second would I believe this new IFTT feature would not be used to its fullest potential in your own environment.

 

As mwester indicated there are too many other elements and outside factors that a reasonable person needs to be cognoscente about.

 

Can you imagine in the dead of winter a call for heat was not followed because someone, something, told the TSTAT to simply go to the off mode? That has nothing to do with setting the unit to be too hot, too cold, AC, what ever.

 

Just off . . .

 

Like you I have quite a few systems in place that I wish were smarter or had the ability to operate in a more integrated fashion with other products / services. So I absolutely understand where you're coming from and the excitement of seeing this little nugget finally appear.

 

All I am saying is Honeywell could have if they so desired released a public API for local access. Why is this such a big deal or something a person even needs to ask about?

 

Simply put many of these companies are in the belief if they tag along to the popular cloud hosted services this will bring in sales. The reality is it was done for control and their inability to use common sense in the deployment of this product.

 

I really can't wait for this whole cloud thing to just explode and go away because right now it caters to the stupid, inept, and those with no ability to think past today.

 

Company not withstanding!

 

Ha . . .

 

I think it was you who pointed out that "using multiple apps to control your home are like the old days when we had a bunch of remotes on the coffee table" - I love this analogy. "The cloud" is making this worse everyday. The banter is fun as long as none of us take each other too seriously, right surge? Opps too soon? 

[bipto]

... I don't care who knows that my house is kept at 68F year round ...

For the most part I agree, but consider that it's going to be a huge pain in the keister fighting off all of the telemarketers trying to sell you HVAC systems, insulation, thermopane windows, etc., etc. based on your home's environmental stability data...  

[MWareman]

 

 

However to a certain extent as I already made clear, I don't care who knows that my house is kept at 68F year round.

With a static temperature set year round, why do you even need a thermostat controllable by a HA system at all?

[Scottmichaelj]

With a static temperature set year round, why do you even need a thermostat controllable by a HA system at all?

Good question! With all honesty the schedules that are avail work fine. Most of the time during the summer before bed I crank it all the way to the lowest setpoint of 63F or whatever. Would be nice to be on demand. Its also been cold here, around 30s so I leave the heat off totally but like when the house gets to 60 I turn it on. Im lazy and use the Honeywell app on my phone. In the winter most of the time its completely off. Most of the time Im warm. Everyone complains when they come over how cold I keep my house.

[stusviews]

Everyone complains when they come over how cold I keep my house.

 

But if they drink enough of your cold beer ... or chilled wine ...

[Scottmichaelj]

But if they drink enough of your cold beer ... or chilled wine ...

Speaking of wine...time to pour a glass!

 

I am actually working on designing/planning my built in wine cooler. Thinking of doing two 18" Thermador's side by side matching my kitchen cabinets.

[kohai]

I have 5 of the Honeywell Wifi Smart Thermostats.  In some houses/locations, they have trouble with their wifi connection.  I've spent a fair amount of time trying to diagnose the issue.  Nothing else in my house has wifi issues except for a couple of the thermostats.  It does seem to be location dependent or influenced.  My current theory is that they are abnormally sensitive to 2.4ghz interference.

 

When I say "trouble" I mean they randomly lose their internet connection for awhile and it comes back.

[Scottmichaelj]

I have 5 of the Honeywell Wifi Smart Thermostats. In some houses/locations, they have trouble with their wifi connection. I've spent a fair amount of time trying to diagnose the issue. Nothing else in my house has wifi issues except for a couple of the thermostats. It does seem to be location dependent or influenced. My current theory is that they are abnormally sensitive to 2.4ghz interference.

 

When I say "trouble" I mean they randomly lose their internet connection for awhile and it comes back.

May want to switch over the the Venstar T7900 with NodeLink. Im making the switch myself and should have mine soon.

[paulbates]

I have 5 of the Honeywell Wifi Smart Thermostats.  In some houses/locations, they have trouble with their wifi connection.  I've spent a fair amount of time trying to diagnose the issue.  Nothing else in my house has wifi issues except for a couple of the thermostats.  It does seem to be location dependent or influenced.  My current theory is that they are abnormally sensitive to 2.4ghz interference.

 

When I say "trouble" I mean they randomly lose their internet connection for awhile and it comes back.

 

If you have an Android phone, there is an app called wifi analyzer. You can use it to perform a site survey of your house. It will show you which channels are most saturated, so you can pick a clearer channel for your router. This is especially important for 2.4ghz devices. 

 

If your router settings allow it, you could try to force 20mhz channel bandwidth, as opposed to auto or 20mhz/40mhz. This will cut throughput a little, but connections should be more stable in the face of a lot of traffic. It sometimes can be due to the routers ability to cope with a lot of connections. 

 

I have a 2.4ghz/5ghz dualband router, and put all devices  on 5ghz that areable to use it, including laptops, phones, desktops and tablets. There are many more 5ghz channels, and most do not overlap at 40mhz like 2.4ghz channels all do.

 

To Huddadudda's point, I have 2 Venstar colortouch thermostats, and I do not have wifi problems with them. 

 

Paul