I’ve been using the Sensi Wi-Fi thermostat for a while now, but I’ve been eyeing the GoControl CGTBZ48 Z-Wave thermostat for its sleek design and advanced features. After doing some research, I decided to make the switch and integrate it with my Hubitat ecosystem. Here’s my journey and some tips I’ve gathered along the way!
Initial Setup and Pairing
First off, I wanted to ensure a smooth installation. One tip I came across was to install the batteries and check the settings on the thermostat before connecting it to the wiring pad. This helped me avoid any post-installation surprises. Pairing the thermostat with my Hubitat hub was straightforward using the native Hubitat app.
Scheduling and Manual Overrides
One of the features I was most excited about was the ability to set a heat and cooling schedule. I was happy to find that this works seamlessly with the Hubitat app. However, I did wonder about what happens if I manually adjust the temperature at the thermostat. After some testing, I discovered that the thermostat does resume the scheduled temperature at the next scheduled time, which is a convenient feature.
Alexa Integration
As an avid Alexa user, I wanted to ensure that I could control the thermostat with voice commands. I installed the Alexa skill on my Hubitat hub and was thrilled to find that the GoControl thermostat was recognized without any issues. Now, I can easily raise or lower the temperature using simple voice commands like, “Alexa, set the thermostat to 72 degrees.”
Offline Scenario
I also wanted to understand how the thermostat behaves if the hub goes offline. From what I gather, the thermostat retains its last settings, so you won’t be left in the cold (or heat) if there’s a connectivity issue.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the GoControl thermostat has been a great addition to my smart home setup. The integration with Hubitat and Alexa has made controlling my home’s temperature a breeze. If you’re considering making the switch, I’d recommend checking out the community forums for additional tips and troubleshooting advice. Happy thermostat hunting! 