A thermostat system for accessing a home automation system includes a device interface module for accessing a first home automated device, a wide-area communication module for data communication with an external network, and a local communication module for data communication over a home automation network. The first home automated device may be an external HVAC device. A first command for accessing the first home automated device is received. A first access signal based on the first received command is generated and transmitted to the first home automated device. A second command for accessing the second home automated device is received. A second access signal based on the second received command is generated and transmitted to the second home automated device. The first access signal may be transmitted independently of the home automation network while the second access signal may be transmitted via the home automation network.