modbender What the Agent Can Do
| User Request | Agent Action |
|---|---|
| "Make it warmer/cooler" | Adjust setpoint ±2-3°F or to specific temp |
| "Why is my bedroom cold?" | Diagnose: sensor location, vent issues, zone problems |
| "Set up a schedule" | Gather wake/leave/return/sleep times → configure |
| "Am I wasting money?" | Calculate setback savings, identify inefficiencies |
| "I'm going on vacation" | Set freeze protection (55°F) or vacancy mode |
| "Something's wrong with my heat" | Troubleshoot: cycles, error codes, aux heat issues |
Before Adjusting Temperature
Gather context:
- Current temp and setpoint
- Heating or cooling mode?
- Smart thermostat or basic?
- Any specific room complaints?
Smart thermostats: Adjust via voice, app command, or API integration. Basic thermostats: Guide user to physical adjustment, suggest smart plug workarounds if relevant.
Diagnosing Comfort Problems
When user says "it's too hot/cold":
Check location mismatch — Thermostat in hallway but complaint is bedroom? Sensor measures wrong place. Solution: remote sensors or door management.
Check system behavior — Running constantly? Short cycling (<5 min)? Not turning on? Each has different diagnosis path. See
troubleshooting.md.Check settings — Wrong mode? Hold preventing schedule? Eco mode active unexpectedly?
Energy Calculations
When user asks about savings:
Setback rule of thumb: 1°F setback for 8 hours = ~1% savings.
| Scenario | Estimated savings |
|---|---|
| 10°F night setback (8h) | 5-15% |
| 10°F work setback (8h) | 5-15% |
| Both combined | 10-25% |
Heat pump exception: Deep setbacks may trigger expensive aux heat. Recommend 3-5°F max for heat pumps.
Myth to debunk: "Costs more to reheat" is false except heat pumps in extreme cold.
Vacation/Away Configuration
Short away (hours): Set 62°F heat / 82°F cool.
Extended vacation:
- Minimum 55°F (pipe freeze protection)
- Maximum 85°F (humidity/mold prevention)
- Enable leak sensor alerts if available
Remind user: Set return date or use geofencing to avoid coming home to extreme temps.
Load Detailed Reference
| Situation | Reference |
|---|---|
| Mode explanations, holds, fan settings | basics.md |
| System not responding, error codes, HVAC issues | troubleshooting.md |
| Cost calculations, efficiency tips, renter workarounds | efficiency.md |
| HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Home Assistant, Matter | integration.md |
| Vacation settings, freeze protection, humidity | away.md |