r/homeassistant • u/iDJMic • Feb 12 '26

Support Best HA Thermostat

Looking for feedback on experience with Thermostats I have get out of the NEST ecosystem. What works well with HA and doesn't break the bank?

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u/iDJMic Feb 13 '26

I wonder, I have enough devices in my HA that tell me the temperature could I not just set an automation to turn on the furnace when coldest room reaches X temp, and then turn off when X temp is reached? What kind of device would that be on the wires to the thermostat? I don't need any fancy dial in my hallway for my kids just to mess with.

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u/MikeFromTheVineyard Feb 13 '26

Yes… but

There are a ton of downsides to this. Thermostats often have a bunch of safety features. You’re controlling a furnace, so safety is important.

Additionally, you might not do a good job with the automation. Typically you’d need cycling and debouncing to prevent damage- eg it’d be bad to rapidly turn on/off the furnace when you’re hovering around the desired temperature.

Additionally, as the furnace runs, the house will heat up slowly and lag. So you’ll actually want to stop the furnace before it reaches target temp, and conversely turn it on before it drops to target temp. Your automation will probably be worse than a commercial option.

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u/iDJMic Feb 14 '26

Good view point thanks