Homekit thermostate mode change from APP causes "no responding"

It is not included.

There are some threads that provide links to updated builds of HomeKit binding, for example this one: Announcing some improvements to the Homekit plugin for OpenHab2, which includes link to the repository where the .jar can be downloaded (here).

I tried to make the same switch myself, and really struggled to move from PaperUI installed version to manual one. In the end I managed, but I still have issue with the Thermostat… You can see that in the above thread.

Following these steps might help:

  1. Un-install homekit addon via PaperUI

  2. Remove all homekit.json files from userdata/jsondb and userdata/jsondb/backup

  3. Create a manual HomeKit.cfg file as indicated in the add-on documentation and copy the updated .jar in the openhab adding directory

  4. Pair your accessories in Home app

I think restarting OH between every steps is necessary for things to go out smoothly, as well as cleaning the cache (openhab-cli clean-cache) after step 1.