Thermostat
Verified@ivangdavila
npx machina-cli add skill @ivangdavila/thermostat --openclawWhat the Agent Can Do
| User Request | Agent Action |
|---|---|
| "Make it warmer/cooler" | Adjust setpoint ±2-3°F or to specific temp |
| "Why is my bedroom cold?" | Diagnose: sensor location, vent issues, zone problems |
| "Set up a schedule" | Gather wake/leave/return/sleep times → configure |
| "Am I wasting money?" | Calculate setback savings, identify inefficiencies |
| "I'm going on vacation" | Set freeze protection (55°F) or vacancy mode |
| "Something's wrong with my heat" | Troubleshoot: cycles, error codes, aux heat issues |
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":
-
Check location mismatch — Thermostat in hallway but complaint is bedroom? Sensor measures wrong place. Solution: remote sensors or door management.
-
Check system behavior — Running constantly? Short cycling (<5 min)? Not turning on? Each has different diagnosis path. See
troubleshooting.md. -
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.
| Scenario | Estimated savings |
|---|---|
| 10°F night setback (8h) | 5-15% |
| 10°F work setback (8h) | 5-15% |
| Both combined | 10-25% |
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.
Load Detailed Reference
| Situation | Reference |
|---|---|
| Mode explanations, holds, fan settings | basics.md |
| System not responding, error codes, HVAC issues | troubleshooting.md |
| Cost calculations, efficiency tips, renter workarounds | efficiency.md |
| HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Home Assistant, Matter | integration.md |
| Vacation settings, freeze protection, humidity | away.md |
Overview
Thermostat helps you adjust temperatures, diagnose comfort issues, quantify energy savings, and automate schedules through voice commands or smart-home integrations. It covers quick setpoint tweaks, schedule configuration, and vacation protection to keep homes comfy and efficient.
How This Skill Works
Users request temperature changes or schedule tweaks via voice, app, or API. The agent applies setpoint adjustments, configures schedules, and performs basic diagnostics using sensor placement and system behavior cues, then computes energy savings with setback rules. It leverages HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Home Assistant, and Matter integrations for seamless control across devices.
When to Use It
- When you want to adjust the temperature by a few degrees (warmer or cooler) or set a specific target.
- When a room feels uncomfortable (e.g., bedroom too cold) and you need a diagnostic of sensors, vents, or zoning.
- When you want to set up or modify a wake/leave/return/sleep schedule.
- When you’re curious about potential energy savings from setbacks and efficiency tips.
- When you’re leaving home or going on vacation and need freeze protection or away settings.
Quick Start
- Step 1: Gather context — current temp, setpoint, mode, thermostat type, and any room complaints.
- Step 2: Choose action — adjust setpoint, configure a schedule, or run a diagnostic to address comfort or savings goals.
- Step 3: Issue command via voice/app/API and review the resulting changes and any reported savings or issues.
Best Practices
- Before changing temps, gather context: current temp, setpoint, mode, thermostat type, and room complaints.
- For comfort issues, consider remote sensors or door management to address location mismatches.
- Be mindful of heat pump setbacks; keep 3-5°F max to avoid triggering expensive auxiliary heat.
- When calculating savings, use the setback rule of thumb (1°F for 8 hours ≈ 1% savings) and review scenario-specific estimates.
- Use vacation/away features (freeze protection, leak alerts, and geofencing) to prevent waste and protect home.
Example Use Cases
- User says 'Make it warmer' and the system increases the setpoint by 2-3°F.
- User asks, 'Why is my bedroom cold?' and the agent diagnoses sensor location and vent issues.
- User says, 'Set up a schedule' and wake/leave/return/sleep times are configured automatically.
- User asks, 'Am I wasting money?' and the agent calculates setback savings and flags inefficiencies.
- User is going on vacation and the agent enables freeze protection and away settings.
