Recommend using a template switch to control non-switch devices with a generic thermostat

[arthurmcgregor]

Feedback

I want to use the generic thermostat to control a device that does not have a switch. Initially I tried using an input_boolean, but found this is not supported and will not be supported.

https://github.com/home-assistant/core/pull/120989#issuecomment-2202964219

The above comment suggests using a template switch, which I had not considered but which worked well. Therefore, I'd like to recommend adding this suggestion to the generic thermostat documentation to help future users who are trying to do something similar to me. This could be simply an additional mention in the introductory paragraph, like so:

... One Generic Thermostat entity can only control one switch. If you need to activate two switches, one for a heater and one for an air conditioner, you will need two Generic Thermostat entities. If you want to activate a device that does not have a switch, you can use a template switch.

URL

https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/generic_thermostat/

Version

2024.7.2

Additional information

No response

[home-assistant[bot]]

Hey there @phracturedblue, @tetienne, @home-assistant/core, mind taking a look at this feedback as it has been labeled with an integration (template) you are listed as a code owner for? Thanks!

Code owner commands

Code owners of `template` can trigger bot actions by commenting: - `@home-assistant close` Closes the feedback. - `@home-assistant rename Awesome new title` Renames the feedback. - `@home-assistant reopen` Reopen the feedback. - `@home-assistant unassign template` Removes the current integration label and assignees on the feedback, add the integration domain after the command. - `@home-assistant add-label needs-more-information` Add a label (needs-more-information) to the feedback. - `@home-assistant remove-label needs-more-information` Remove a label (needs-more-information) on the feedback.

[github-actions[bot]]

There hasn't been any activity on this issue recently. Due to the high number of incoming GitHub notifications, we have to clean some of the old issues, as many of them have already been resolved. If this issue is still relevant, please let us know by leaving a comment 👍 This issue has now has been marked as stale and will be closed if no further activity occurs. Thank you for your contributions.