Z-Wave or Zigbee thermostats: which one?

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21

Really easy:

  1. Load HA on whatever you want to run it on. I have an HA Yellow, but am running it on an old Mac mini with a bunch of other IoT services. The Mac mini runs Ubuntu 24.
  2. Get your ecobee connected to WiFi, but do not connect it to HomeKit. Here’s what it looks like:
    IMG_0198
    IMG_01981179×1494 90.9 KB
  3. Use the HomeKit Device integration in HA to add the ecobee thermostat and sensors. This is what it looks like:
    IMG_0197
    IMG_01971179×1124 102 KB

Then use Home Assistant Device Bridge to bring the thermostat and sensors into Hubitat.

22

Does it have to be Homekit or is there another option?

23

HA has an integration called HomeKit Device (used to be called HomeKit Controller). This integration permits devices that support HomeKit to connect to Home Assistant as if it is an Apple Home hub.

Using the HomeKit Device integration in HA doesn’t require the use of any Apple devices.

Here are more details on HomeKit Device:

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24

Thank you. I am researching using HA for integrations and bringing it into HE. I appreciate your help.

25

I've not performed a thorough test and analysis, however I'm of the belief that the control algorithms will act differently if the sensor changes vs if the command changes.

And, I don't want the temperature control dependent on any more equipment than it has to be.

26

Sure, you can use any temp sensors you like. But in this case the HE will be in a middle. From the other side, Ecobee knows very well about native temp sensors and does nice temp balancing without the HE.

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27

Thanks VERY much. I have saved this page for after I get moved and into the new place. I am "comfortable" with ecoBee, and as I will be using both HE and HA, can use their least-expensive model (I am assuming).

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28

Yes

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29

By the time I get to the new place and the dust settles, the replacement for ecoBee 3 Lite should be out.

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