@motoridersd
For the thermostat you could always use more than one sensor then create a template sensor that averages them. If one doesn't reply then the other takes over.
I'm not sure how your heat pump works, but mine has a variable compressor, but only 2 speed fan. The compressor tries to keep a constant temp on the coil I believe through monitoring the suction. It will also adjust the temperature to extend the length of the cycle of the last cycle was too short. I don't have a communicating thermostat.