These idiots signed up for that service. They got what they signed up and paid for.

"Smart thermostats"

They're not smart, they're fucking spying.

Some friends and family have asked why I don't have a "smart" thermostat because I'm in IT. I tell them that I do not have one because I'm in IT.

This was just the appetizer. The main course gets served this winter when temps are below freezing and the marxists decide you shouldn't have heat. This is deliberate; these marxist beasts want people to suffer and die.

They aren't smart they're just controlled remotely. Throw those things in the trash and buy a simple mechanical thermostat.

Folks you do not have to be held hostage, you can still buy dumb thermostats for instance.

And here's a life tip. The thermostat sends a low voltage signal to the air conditioner compressor controls outside, that low voltage signal closes a set of contacts which conduct Power to the compressor. So simply bypass or manually close those contacts and you can run.

I don't wanna explain too much more, people who don't understand based on 'just' that should ask someone with electrical experience for help, it can be dangerous if you mess it up.

wait until they turn off those "Smart Refrigerators"

Really?

COLORADANS locked out because CA asked other states on the grid to help with brown ! outs

https://www.breitbart.com/economy/2022/09/03/thousands-of-coloradans-locked-out-of-their-smart-thermostats-due-to-energy-emergency/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2ONXFWKmj9FGRb6_JWVDMdXy1CXFHcyyrI-udW8EWsfBN-H6qm3INxEfY

So, you mean to tell me that those people were not smart enough to go to a local hardware store and get an old-style mercury/not-internet-connected thermostat to keep going?

Seriously? How fucking dumb do you have to be to not do something about that issue? I am guessing that they chose to sweat it out and bitch about it, right?

Most thermostats today are WiFi connected. That is deliberate. For a long time we have felt that despite what our thermostat is set at and what it says, the temperature changes: house is warm and comfortable until 6:00 am then the temperature feels like it drops as more people wake up and start the day. Colder temperature in the house despite no change in the thermostat. Same at night-appears warmer without a thermostat change.

Oh but-but the convenience of being able to control the temp with my phone without having to get up! Anything connected to the Internet can be hacked/remotely controlled. If you connect your home and appliances to the Internet, this will be your life.

When I saw this I immediately configured my router to block internet access for my thermostats. Problem solved.