Two Ways to Use No Longer Evil
No Longer Evil offers two deployment options depending on your technical expertise and preferences:Hosted Service
Recommended for most usersPlug and play - no server setup required
Self-Hosted
For advanced usersComplete control over your infrastructure
Hosted Service (Recommended)
What You Get
The hosted service uses No Longer Evil’s managed infrastructure at nolongerevil.com. Your thermostat connects to our servers instead of Google’s.✅ Zero Configuration
✅ Zero Configuration
No server setup, no database management, no SSL certificates. Just flash the firmware and start using your thermostat.
✅ Always Up to Date
✅ Always Up to Date
Automatic updates to the API server, dashboard, and features. You always get the latest improvements without lifting a finger.
✅ Web Dashboard
✅ Web Dashboard
Access your thermostat from anywhere via our hosted web dashboard. Control temperature, schedules, and settings from any device.
✅ Easy Device Management
✅ Easy Device Management
Simple entry code system to link multiple thermostats to your account. Perfect for multi-zone setups.
✅ Novice Friendly
✅ Novice Friendly
No technical expertise required. If you can follow step-by-step instructions and plug in a USB cable, you can do this.
What You Need
Time Required
15-30 minutesMost of this is waiting for firmware to flash and boot
Technical Level
Beginner FriendlyCan follow simple instructions
Limitations
Service Dependency: Your thermostat depends on No Longer Evil’s service availability. If our servers go down (rare), you’ll temporarily lose remote access. Local thermostat functionality continues to work.
Best For
- Homeowners who want a simple, working solution
- Users without technical/server management experience
- Anyone who wants to try No Longer Evil without commitment
Get Started with Hosted Service
Follow our step-by-step guide to flash firmware and start using your thermostat in under 30 minutes
Self-Hosted (Advanced)
What You Get
Self-hosting means running your own No Longer Evil infrastructure. Your thermostat connects to your server, not ours.✅ Complete Data Ownership
✅ Complete Data Ownership
All thermostat data stays on your servers. You control the database, logs, and every piece of information.
✅ No External Dependencies
✅ No External Dependencies
Your thermostat works independently of No Longer Evil’s service. Even if we shut down, your setup keeps running forever.
✅ Full Customization
✅ Full Customization
Modify the API server, build custom integrations, add features, or tweak behavior to your exact needs.
✅ Local Network Operation
✅ Local Network Operation
Run everything on your local network for ultra-low latency and no internet dependency (optional).
What You Need
Time Required
2-4 hoursInitial setup + troubleshooting
Technical Level
AdvancedComfortable with command line, Docker, networking
Requirements
1
Server/Computer
A machine that can run 24/7 (Raspberry Pi, NAS, VPS, home server, or cloud VM)
2
Technical Skills
- Command line / terminal navigation
- Basic networking knowledge (ports, firewalls, DNS)
- Docker experience (or willingness to learn)
- Understanding of environment variables and configuration
3
Infrastructure
- Public IP or DDNS service (if accessing remotely)
- Port forwarding capability on router (if accessing remotely)
Components You’ll Run
When self-hosting, you’re responsible for running and maintaining:- API Server (Port 443) - Handles thermostat communication
- Control API (Port 8081) - Provides control interface
- Database (Convex) - Stores device state and configuration
- Frontend (Optional) - Web dashboard (can use hosted version)
- SSL/TLS Certificates - For secure communication
Challenges to Expect
Self-Hosted Setup Guide
Ready for the challenge? Follow our comprehensive guide to set up your own No Longer Evil infrastructure