I just wondering how I could convert my home refrigirator (Whirlpool) to smart… I saw some posts arround, but this is not what I’m looking for…
I would like to use typical Aliexpress Wi-Fi thermostat.
But I could not see any HA integration advice…
There is some firmware/software but it looks like ‘closed’ version.
Bad idea.
Leave the fridge thermostat in hardware. That way no software issue can destroy all your perishables.
Monitor the temperature and compressor run times by all means, but do not use a software thermostat for this application.
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Hmmm… Unexpected advice. Up to now I’ve considered refrigirator as no mission-critical device…
I know that food prices are rising, but let’s not exaggerate.
Maybe leave the stock thermostat in the smart loop and set it as an upper bound failsafe?
That being said, there’s a surprising amount of “smarts” already within a fridge thermostat from min/max runtimes for the compressor and defrost cycles if you have a freezer.
What problems are you looking to solve? I added two items to smarten our fridge when troubleshooting a warranty issue: a thermocouple in the freezer and smart plug for power monitoring (with ESPHome set to always turn the switch back on after being turned off). Turns out the occasional power cycle will get the freezer operating within specs.
It has no freezer… It is simple door-glassed cooler with compressor…
I do not have specific problem with it - I just was looking for another device to be ‘seen’ from HA…