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Paging COSO Hive Mind:

I am interested in installing a WiFi thermostat for remote control, scheduling, multiple users, and potential energy savings.

Google Nest Thermostat ticks all the boxes, and for a good price. Are there any serious security concerns with current models beyond the usual Google stuff? The exploits I'm reading about are all from 2014-2016.

It would be on an isolated VLAN, and my pi-hole would minimize the data sent to the Googleship.

Thoughts? Better options?

Another one I'm considering is Wyze, since I have their camera and app already. Even cheaper, too.

@voltronic
Legit, anything that connects your home to the internet is a security issue. IOT devices, like smart thermostats, are notoriously bad for security and can be used to gain access to your whole home network.

@ArcturusSaDiablo
I'm aware; that's why the VLAN. I already have that set up for my Wyze camera, the only IoT device I currently own. My printer is also blocked from external access, because that's another big vulnerability.

I'm just asking if this particular Nest device has anything significantI should be aware of.

@voltronic Check with your utility company. We gave us a Google thermostat for free. not the higher end one, but where our thermostat is people detection wouldn't work very well in any case.

@ibid
I'll have to look into that. I'm not looking at the higher end "learning" Nest anyway.

@ibid
No dice from my utility company, but thanks for the tip anyway.

@voltronic We’ve had Nest and recently switched to Ecobee. I like the app and controls better personally. We have little sensors in each of the main rooms so it can detect activity and we have the Alexa speaker disabled.

@Autumn
I'm seeing consistently great reviews of the Ecobee, but it's more than I'd like to spend. Trying to keep it not much more than $100.

There are remote sensors for Nest, but I have single-zone HVAC so I'm not sure that would offer any benefit.

@voltronic Have you looked into Sonoff products? I have a bunch (not thermostat as central HVAC for residences is not a thing over here) connected to Home Assistant. Works like a charm for me.

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