Thermostat

What the Agent Can Do

Before Adjusting Temperature

Gather context:

• Current temp and setpoint
• Heating or cooling mode?
• Smart thermostat or basic?
• Any specific room complaints?

Smart thermostats: Adjust via voice, app command, or API integration.

Basic thermostats: Guide user to physical adjustment, suggest smart plug workarounds if relevant.

Diagnosing Comfort Problems

When user says "it's too hot/cold":

1. Check location mismatch — Thermostat in hallway but complaint is bedroom? Sensor measures wrong place. Solution: remote sensors or door management.

1. Check system behavior — Running constantly? Short cycling (<5 min)? Not turning on? Each has different diagnosis path. See troubleshooting.md.

1. Check settings — Wrong mode? Hold preventing schedule? Eco mode active unexpectedly?

Energy Calculations

When user asks about savings:

Setback rule of thumb: 1°F setback for 8 hours = ~1% savings.

Heat pump exception: Deep setbacks may trigger expensive aux heat. Recommend 3-5°F max for heat pumps.

Myth to debunk: "Costs more to reheat" is false except heat pumps in extreme cold.

Vacation/Away Configuration

Short away (hours): Set 62°F heat / 82°F cool.

Extended vacation:

• Minimum 55°F (pipe freeze protection)
• Maximum 85°F (humidity/mold prevention)
• Enable leak sensor alerts if available

Remind user: Set return date or use geofencing to avoid coming home to extreme temps.

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