Idea: Some small actuator attached to an esp32 or something. Then calibrated either as binary off/65 or the whole range of temperatures. Then I’d hook it through to home assistant.
This is perhaps a silly endeavor, but I kind of want to do it anyway. I need to be able to control this thermostat. I only need to set it between off and ~66. I would love to replace the thermostat, but I am just renting.
Questions: Is this a completely dumb idea? If not, any ideas on the actual hardware? I already have some esp32 lying around. Is there a way easier idea I am not thinking of (short of replacing thermostat) or some existing product I can jerry rig to this?
Backstory: I live in an old apartment (early 1900/late 1800s). The only form of climate control is the classic metal radiators in every room, and a single thermostat who’s measured temperature matches none of the rooms. In the summer I just use window units.
The radiators are fairly binary. So in the morning I just have to turn the thermostat to 1 degree above where it’s at, and it sends the entire apartment 10 degrees hotter. My goal is to use some HA automations to turn this on/off at specific intervals.
