Is A Vacation Thermostat controlled by WiFI Available? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

postman56 · 2011-10-11, 05:44 PM

I have a recreation property/cabin I'd like to set up some automation / remote control capabilities for the thermostat ,and would appreciate any suggestions from others that have successfully accomplished this cost savings alternative.
I have internet and wifi...

My wish list for capabilities:
- control heating, also hopefully temp sensors (to handle internal temp and external)

It seems like the simplest would be a system that I could log onto and see the info and make the changes then access through a normal web interface, allowing me to use things like IP cameras.

Love to get some suggestions and recommendations, for the overall problem or just for any of the products
Thanks!

hugh · 2011-10-11, 05:56 PM

Yep, they certainly are available along with temperature sensors, water sensors, CO detectors, IP cameras and so on.

Do you have a broadband internet connection at your cabin?

Probably can search this forum (and of course Google) for some ideas.

Wayne · 2011-10-11, 11:05 PM

I have a Control4 system for HVAC, lighting and a few other things. It can do this and more including door sensors, lighting, remote locking and unlocking. The only issue is that it may be more than you are looking to spend - very bare minimum would be $1000 and likely much more, and you have to get everything through a dealer.

ScaryBob · 2011-10-11, 11:29 PM

IP cameras are relatively cheap to set up and access. For monitoring, something as simple as putting a thermostat/thermometer and other sensors within easy view of an IP cam might be sufficient. Some of the pricier IP cams have remote control capabilities but it's cheaper to set up a couple of fixed units. I wouldn't bother with remote control for heat. An ordinary programmable thermostat should be sufficient.

boatracer · 2011-10-12, 08:26 AM

For just HVAC controls there is a company called ecobee that makes a wi-fi enabled thermostat that also has a web portal to monitor and schedule your HVAC system.

http://www.ecobee.com/product/smart-overview/

postman56 · 2011-10-12, 01:38 PM

Thanks for the information, I think for the most part, I'm really just in need of the thermostat I can control via the web via my WIFI that we have there!
Ken

shermane8 · 2011-10-13, 01:53 PM

Try looking for Radio Thermostat CT-30. I picked up a version at Home Depot in the US for $100 (rebranded to Honeywell I think) and it works great over wi-fi. You can access it over the internet through their website or through iOS device with their app. For $100, couldn't really beat it.

markf · 2011-10-13, 08:15 PM

If you're in Ontario and you can get into the Peaksaver program, you can get a free thermostat which you can program online.

It doesn't show real time data (in house temperature), but if you're away and a few hours from home, you can program it to warm up/cool down through an online portal.

There are a number of online programming options. I find it a lot easier to program it online than through the interface. It is a rebranded Honeywell touch screen thermostat.

notsure · 2011-10-13, 08:25 PM

^^^^ doesn't this thermostat also mean that Hydro can step in and change your settings?

Update: I looked it up myself.

peaksaver® is an electricity demand response program funded by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to ease critical strain on the electricity system in Ontario during hot summer weekdays.

We are no longer accepting enrollments for the peaksaver® program. Check back for details about a new program offered by Hydro One in the coming weeks.

markf · 2011-10-13, 09:29 PM

They can for a few hours at a time. I think it was activated 2 or 3 times this summer. That's the only time they activate the system and only when power demand is very high.

A free thermostat, $25 credit, I'm ok with a few times a year having the temp bumped up a couple of degrees.

Lepauto · 2011-10-15, 01:09 AM

+1 on control4. Recently installed a system for a customer in muskoka. Worry free system

GeoStar · 2011-10-20, 02:31 PM

3m-50 filtret wifi thermostat

dualdual · 2011-10-20, 07:57 PM

Model # 3M-50 is being taken over by energy hub in the next month.

dinkeldorf · 2011-11-06, 06:27 PM

For slightly more upside: Micasa Vera ($200 - $238) + z-wave enabled thermostat ($100 - 250) . A friend uses this to do thermostats for AC in FL rental and front door lock ($150 - $250)

For plug and play single use: google Nest Thermostat....

And enjoy!

notsure · 2011-11-06, 08:56 PM

It looks like it may be a while before the Nest thermostat is available here. Everything I've seen indicates they don't have enough (any?) stock in the US yet.

2011-10-11, 05:44 PM	#1
postman56 Rookie Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 5	Is A Vacation Thermostat controlled by WiFI Available? I have a recreation property/cabin I'd like to set up some automation / remote control capabilities for the thermostat ,and would appreciate any suggestions from others that have successfully accomplished this cost savings alternative. I have internet and wifi... My wish list for capabilities: - control heating, also hopefully temp sensors (to handle internal temp and external) It seems like the simplest would be a system that I could log onto and see the info and make the changes then access through a normal web interface, allowing me to use things like IP cameras. Love to get some suggestions and recommendations, for the overall problem or just for any of the products Thanks!

2011-10-11, 05:56 PM	#2
hugh Member #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Toronto Posts: 47,492	Yep, they certainly are available along with temperature sensors, water sensors, CO detectors, IP cameras and so on. Do you have a broadband internet connection at your cabin? Probably can search this forum (and of course Google) for some ideas. __________________ As of January 2012, I am no longer the owner of the Digital Home website. If you have questions about the operation of the site, please contact VSAdmin. For personal inquiries contact me at the Hugh Thompson website.

2011-10-11, 11:29 PM	#4
ScaryBob Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Dandelion City Posts: 7,133	IP cameras are relatively cheap to set up and access. For monitoring, something as simple as putting a thermostat/thermometer and other sensors within easy view of an IP cam might be sufficient. Some of the pricier IP cams have remote control capabilities but it's cheaper to set up a couple of fixed units. I wouldn't bother with remote control for heat. An ordinary programmable thermostat should be sufficient. __________________ At 20 I had a good mind. At 40 I had money. At 60 I've lost my mind and my money. Oh, to be 20 again. --Scary

2011-10-12, 08:26 AM	#5
boatracer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cambridge, ON Posts: 99	For just HVAC controls there is a company called ecobee that makes a wi-fi enabled thermostat that also has a web portal to monitor and schedule your HVAC system. http://www.ecobee.com/product/smart-overview/ __________________ Cambridge, ON Rogers, SA 8300HD PVR, Panasonic TC-P42X2 TV, PS3, Yamaha RX-V671, Apple TV 2

2011-10-13, 08:25 PM	#9
notsure Veteran Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ottawa, ON; OTA, XBMC, ATV Posts: 1,606	^^^^ doesn't this thermostat also mean that Hydro can step in and change your settings? Update: I looked it up myself. peaksaver® is an electricity demand response program funded by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to ease critical strain on the electricity system in Ontario during hot summer weekdays. We are no longer accepting enrollments for the peaksaver® program. Check back for details about a new program offered by Hydro One in the coming weeks. Last edited by notsure; 2011-10-13 at 08:29 PM. Reason: Update

2011-10-11, 11:05 PM	#3
Wayne Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Scarboro Posts: 5,568	I have a Control4 system for HVAC, lighting and a few other things. It can do this and more including door sensors, lighting, remote locking and unlocking. The only issue is that it may be more than you are looking to spend - very bare minimum would be $1000 and likely much more, and you have to get everything through a dealer.

2011-10-12, 01:38 PM	#6
postman56 Rookie Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 5	Thanks for the information, I think for the most part, I'm really just in need of the thermostat I can control via the web via my WIFI that we have there! Ken

2011-10-13, 01:53 PM	#7
shermane8 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 25	Try looking for Radio Thermostat CT-30. I picked up a version at Home Depot in the US for $100 (rebranded to Honeywell I think) and it works great over wi-fi. You can access it over the internet through their website or through iOS device with their app. For $100, couldn't really beat it.

2011-10-13, 08:15 PM	#8
markf Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Walkers/Dundas Burlington Posts: 273	If you're in Ontario and you can get into the Peaksaver program, you can get a free thermostat which you can program online. It doesn't show real time data (in house temperature), but if you're away and a few hours from home, you can program it to warm up/cool down through an online portal. There are a number of online programming options. I find it a lot easier to program it online than through the interface. It is a rebranded Honeywell touch screen thermostat.

2011-10-13, 09:29 PM	#10
markf Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Walkers/Dundas Burlington Posts: 273	They can for a few hours at a time. I think it was activated 2 or 3 times this summer. That's the only time they activate the system and only when power demand is very high. A free thermostat, $25 credit, I'm ok with a few times a year having the temp bumped up a couple of degrees.

2011-10-15, 01:09 AM	#11
Lepauto Rookie Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 2	+1 on control4. Recently installed a system for a customer in muskoka. Worry free system

2011-10-20, 02:31 PM	#12
GeoStar Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: frik&glic land Posts: 167	3m-50 filtret wifi thermostat __________________ cm4228hd; kt-200, philips distro

2011-10-20, 07:57 PM	#13
dualdual Rookie Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 5	Model # 3M-50 is being taken over by energy hub in the next month.

2011-11-06, 06:27 PM	#14
dinkeldorf Join Date: May 2007 Location: Cowtown AB Posts: 17	For slightly more upside: Micasa Vera ($200 - $238) + z-wave enabled thermostat ($100 - 250) . A friend uses this to do thermostats for AC in FL rental and front door lock ($150 - $250) For plug and play single use: google Nest Thermostat.... And enjoy!

2011-11-06, 08:56 PM	#15
notsure Veteran Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ottawa, ON; OTA, XBMC, ATV Posts: 1,606	It looks like it may be a while before the Nest thermostat is available here. Everything I've seen indicates they don't have enough (any?) stock in the US yet.

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