Method and system for home automation via thermostat

A method for accessing a home automation system, the method comprising:

• receiving a first command for changing an environmental setting;
• transmitting a first control signal based on the received first command for controlling an external HVAC system via a HVAC interface;
• receiving a second command for changing a non-environmental setting;
• and
• transmitting a second control signal based on the received second command for controlling a home automated device.

A thermostat system comprising:

• a device interface module for accessing a first home automated device;
• a wide-area communication module for data communication with an external network;
• a local communication module for data communication over a home automation network;
• and
• a processor configured for:
• receiving a first command for accessing the first home automated device;
• generating a first access signal based on the received first command for accessing the first home automated via the device interface module and independently of the home automation network;
• receiving a second command for accessing a second home automated device;
• and
• generating a second access signal based on the received second command for accessing a second home automated device via the local communication module.