diff --git a/homeassistant/components/api/__init__.py b/homeassistant/components/api/__init__.py
index 34d899e996c..779df785164 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/api/__init__.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/api/__init__.py
@@ -410,7 +410,7 @@ class APITemplateView(HomeAssistantView):
         try:
             data = await request.json()
             tpl = template.Template(data["template"], request.app["hass"])
-            return tpl.async_render(data.get("variables"))
+            return str(tpl.async_render(data.get("variables")))
         except (ValueError, TemplateError) as ex:
             return self.json_message(
                 f"Error rendering template: {ex}", HTTP_BAD_REQUEST
diff --git a/homeassistant/components/history_stats/sensor.py b/homeassistant/components/history_stats/sensor.py
index 40c0a76bfba..68d1f84a215 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/history_stats/sensor.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/history_stats/sensor.py
@@ -271,7 +271,7 @@ class HistoryStatsSensor(Entity):
             except (TemplateError, TypeError) as ex:
                 HistoryStatsHelper.handle_template_exception(ex, "start")
                 return
-            start = dt_util.parse_datetime(start_rendered)
+            start = dt_util.parse_datetime(str(start_rendered))
             if start is None:
                 try:
                     start = dt_util.as_local(
diff --git a/homeassistant/components/template/cover.py b/homeassistant/components/template/cover.py
index fe8b6568c1e..7c35663bb5f 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/template/cover.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/template/cover.py
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ class CoverTemplate(TemplateEntity, CoverEntity):
             self._position = None
             return
 
-        state = result.lower()
+        state = str(result).lower()
         if state in _VALID_STATES:
             if state in ("true", STATE_OPEN):
                 self._position = 100
diff --git a/homeassistant/components/template/fan.py b/homeassistant/components/template/fan.py
index 4f75faa36ff..f0b22fb46b3 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/template/fan.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/template/fan.py
@@ -367,6 +367,7 @@ class TemplateFan(TemplateEntity, FanEntity):
     @callback
     def _update_speed(self, speed):
         # Validate speed
+        speed = str(speed)
         if speed in self._speed_list:
             self._speed = speed
         elif speed in [STATE_UNAVAILABLE, STATE_UNKNOWN]:
diff --git a/homeassistant/components/template/light.py b/homeassistant/components/template/light.py
index 2b79846986c..5d6c1befd4a 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/template/light.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/template/light.py
@@ -412,7 +412,7 @@ class LightTemplate(TemplateEntity, LightEntity):
                 self._available = True
             return
 
-        state = result.lower()
+        state = str(result).lower()
         if state in _VALID_STATES:
             self._state = state in ("true", STATE_ON)
         else:
@@ -451,12 +451,17 @@ class LightTemplate(TemplateEntity, LightEntity):
     @callback
     def _update_color(self, render):
         """Update the hs_color from the template."""
-        if render in ("None", ""):
-            self._color = None
-            return
-        h_str, s_str = map(
-            float, render.replace("(", "").replace(")", "").split(",", 1)
-        )
+        h_str = s_str = None
+        if isinstance(render, str):
+            if render in ("None", ""):
+                self._color = None
+                return
+            h_str, s_str = map(
+                float, render.replace("(", "").replace(")", "").split(",", 1)
+            )
+        elif isinstance(render, (list, tuple)) and len(render) == 2:
+            h_str, s_str = render
+
         if (
             h_str is not None
             and s_str is not None
diff --git a/homeassistant/components/template/lock.py b/homeassistant/components/template/lock.py
index b917430a6ff..fa28436180e 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/template/lock.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/template/lock.py
@@ -120,7 +120,16 @@ class TemplateLock(TemplateEntity, LockEntity):
         if isinstance(result, TemplateError):
             self._state = None
             return
-        self._state = result.lower() in ("true", STATE_ON, STATE_LOCKED)
+
+        if isinstance(result, bool):
+            self._state = result
+            return
+
+        if isinstance(result, str):
+            self._state = result.lower() in ("true", STATE_ON, STATE_LOCKED)
+            return
+
+        self._state = False
 
     async def async_added_to_hass(self):
         """Register callbacks."""
diff --git a/homeassistant/components/template/switch.py b/homeassistant/components/template/switch.py
index fc7b2408f21..d255d5b610c 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/template/switch.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/template/switch.py
@@ -136,7 +136,16 @@ class SwitchTemplate(TemplateEntity, SwitchEntity, RestoreEntity):
         if isinstance(result, TemplateError):
             self._state = None
             return
-        self._state = result.lower() in ("true", STATE_ON)
+
+        if isinstance(result, bool):
+            self._state = result
+            return
+
+        if isinstance(result, str):
+            self._state = result.lower() in ("true", STATE_ON)
+            return
+
+        self._state = False
 
     async def async_added_to_hass(self):
         """Register callbacks."""
diff --git a/homeassistant/config.py b/homeassistant/config.py
index 3e9dd27458d..d0df72a810a 100644
--- a/homeassistant/config.py
+++ b/homeassistant/config.py
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ from homeassistant.const import (
     CONF_ID,
     CONF_INTERNAL_URL,
     CONF_LATITUDE,
+    CONF_LEGACY_TEMPLATES,
     CONF_LONGITUDE,
     CONF_MEDIA_DIRS,
     CONF_NAME,
@@ -224,6 +225,7 @@ CORE_CONFIG_SCHEMA = CUSTOMIZE_CONFIG_SCHEMA.extend(
         ),
         # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
         vol.Optional(CONF_MEDIA_DIRS): cv.schema_with_slug_keys(vol.IsDir()),
+        vol.Optional(CONF_LEGACY_TEMPLATES): cv.boolean,
     }
 )
 
@@ -500,6 +502,7 @@ async def async_process_ha_core_config(hass: HomeAssistant, config: Dict) -> Non
         (CONF_INTERNAL_URL, "internal_url"),
         (CONF_EXTERNAL_URL, "external_url"),
         (CONF_MEDIA_DIRS, "media_dirs"),
+        (CONF_LEGACY_TEMPLATES, "legacy_templates"),
     ):
         if key in config:
             setattr(hac, attr, config[key])
diff --git a/homeassistant/const.py b/homeassistant/const.py
index d0f17b5de3d..4f46dfe586a 100644
--- a/homeassistant/const.py
+++ b/homeassistant/const.py
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ CONF_INCLUDE = "include"
 CONF_INTERNAL_URL = "internal_url"
 CONF_IP_ADDRESS = "ip_address"
 CONF_LATITUDE = "latitude"
+CONF_LEGACY_TEMPLATES = "legacy_templates"
 CONF_LIGHTS = "lights"
 CONF_LONGITUDE = "longitude"
 CONF_MAC = "mac"
diff --git a/homeassistant/core.py b/homeassistant/core.py
index 9f598d46410..50dae06acf1 100644
--- a/homeassistant/core.py
+++ b/homeassistant/core.py
@@ -1427,6 +1427,9 @@ class Config:
         # If Home Assistant is running in safe mode
         self.safe_mode: bool = False
 
+        # Use legacy template behavior
+        self.legacy_templates: bool = False
+
     def distance(self, lat: float, lon: float) -> Optional[float]:
         """Calculate distance from Home Assistant.
 
diff --git a/homeassistant/helpers/condition.py b/homeassistant/helpers/condition.py
index c982b58d8d9..57271ccaf81 100644
--- a/homeassistant/helpers/condition.py
+++ b/homeassistant/helpers/condition.py
@@ -458,7 +458,10 @@ def async_template(
         _LOGGER.error("Error during template condition: %s", ex)
         return False
 
-    return value.lower() == "true"
+    if isinstance(value, bool):
+        return value
+
+    return str(value).lower() == "true"
 
 
 def async_template_from_config(
diff --git a/homeassistant/helpers/event.py b/homeassistant/helpers/event.py
index b6d59bb500c..c73196db604 100644
--- a/homeassistant/helpers/event.py
+++ b/homeassistant/helpers/event.py
@@ -111,8 +111,8 @@ class TrackTemplateResult:
     """
 
     template: Template
-    last_result: Union[str, None, TemplateError]
-    result: Union[str, TemplateError]
+    last_result: Any
+    result: Any
 
 
 def threaded_listener_factory(async_factory: Callable[..., Any]) -> CALLBACK_TYPE:
diff --git a/homeassistant/helpers/template.py b/homeassistant/helpers/template.py
index 9c849bee22e..0f3d605523c 100644
--- a/homeassistant/helpers/template.py
+++ b/homeassistant/helpers/template.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 """Template helper methods for rendering strings with Home Assistant data."""
+from ast import literal_eval
 import asyncio
 import base64
 import collections.abc
@@ -302,7 +303,7 @@ class Template:
 
         return extract_entities(self.hass, self.template, variables)
 
-    def render(self, variables: TemplateVarsType = None, **kwargs: Any) -> str:
+    def render(self, variables: TemplateVarsType = None, **kwargs: Any) -> Any:
         """Render given template."""
         if self.is_static:
             return self.template.strip()
@@ -315,7 +316,7 @@ class Template:
         ).result()
 
     @callback
-    def async_render(self, variables: TemplateVarsType = None, **kwargs: Any) -> str:
+    def async_render(self, variables: TemplateVarsType = None, **kwargs: Any) -> Any:
         """Render given template.
 
         This method must be run in the event loop.
@@ -329,10 +330,27 @@ class Template:
             kwargs.update(variables)
 
         try:
-            return compiled.render(kwargs).strip()
+            render_result = compiled.render(kwargs)
         except jinja2.TemplateError as err:
             raise TemplateError(err) from err
 
+        render_result = render_result.strip()
+
+        if not self.hass.config.legacy_templates:
+            try:
+                result = literal_eval(render_result)
+
+                # If the literal_eval result is a string, use the original
+                # render, by not returning right here. The evaluation of strings
+                # resulting in strings impacts quotes, to avoid unexpected
+                # output; use the original render instead of the evaluated one.
+                if not isinstance(result, str):
+                    return result
+            except (ValueError, SyntaxError, MemoryError):
+                pass
+
+        return render_result
+
     async def async_render_will_timeout(
         self, timeout: float, variables: TemplateVarsType = None, **kwargs: Any
     ) -> bool:
diff --git a/tests/components/demo/test_notify.py b/tests/components/demo/test_notify.py
index 07b6d968c84..490b0e756a8 100644
--- a/tests/components/demo/test_notify.py
+++ b/tests/components/demo/test_notify.py
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ class TestNotifyDemo(unittest.TestCase):
         self.hass.block_till_done()
         last_event = self.events[-1]
         assert last_event.data[notify.ATTR_TITLE] == "temperature"
-        assert last_event.data[notify.ATTR_MESSAGE] == "10"
+        assert last_event.data[notify.ATTR_MESSAGE] == 10
 
     def test_method_forwards_correct_data(self):
         """Test that all data from the service gets forwarded to service."""
diff --git a/tests/components/mqtt/test_alarm_control_panel.py b/tests/components/mqtt/test_alarm_control_panel.py
index 7eb890903fd..b6c162eb87e 100644
--- a/tests/components/mqtt/test_alarm_control_panel.py
+++ b/tests/components/mqtt/test_alarm_control_panel.py
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ DEFAULT_CONFIG_CODE = {
         "name": "test",
         "state_topic": "alarm/state",
         "command_topic": "alarm/command",
-        "code": "1234",
+        "code": "0123",
         "code_arm_required": True,
     }
 }
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ async def test_disarm_publishes_mqtt_with_template(hass, mqtt_mock):
     When command_template set to output json
     """
     config = copy.deepcopy(DEFAULT_CONFIG_CODE)
-    config[alarm_control_panel.DOMAIN]["code"] = "1234"
+    config[alarm_control_panel.DOMAIN]["code"] = "0123"
     config[alarm_control_panel.DOMAIN]["command_template"] = (
         '{"action":"{{ action }}",' '"code":"{{ code }}"}'
     )
@@ -407,9 +407,9 @@ async def test_disarm_publishes_mqtt_with_template(hass, mqtt_mock):
     )
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    await common.async_alarm_disarm(hass, 1234)
+    await common.async_alarm_disarm(hass, "0123")
     mqtt_mock.async_publish.assert_called_once_with(
-        "alarm/command", '{"action":"DISARM","code":"1234"}', 0, False
+        "alarm/command", {"action": "DISARM", "code": "0123"}, 0, False
     )
 
 
diff --git a/tests/components/mqtt/test_cover.py b/tests/components/mqtt/test_cover.py
index d1529e63fc7..dd879338a41 100644
--- a/tests/components/mqtt/test_cover.py
+++ b/tests/components/mqtt/test_cover.py
@@ -702,9 +702,7 @@ async def test_set_position_templated(hass, mqtt_mock):
         blocking=True,
     )
 
-    mqtt_mock.async_publish.assert_called_once_with(
-        "set-position-topic", "38", 0, False
-    )
+    mqtt_mock.async_publish.assert_called_once_with("set-position-topic", 38, 0, False)
 
 
 async def test_set_position_untemplated(hass, mqtt_mock):
diff --git a/tests/components/mqtt/test_init.py b/tests/components/mqtt/test_init.py
index a4d1261daf8..b94dd123d8d 100644
--- a/tests/components/mqtt/test_init.py
+++ b/tests/components/mqtt/test_init.py
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ async def test_service_call_with_template_payload_renders_template(hass, mqtt_mo
     mqtt.async_publish_template(hass, "test/topic", "{{ 1+1 }}")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert mqtt_mock.async_publish.called
-    assert mqtt_mock.async_publish.call_args[0][1] == "2"
+    assert mqtt_mock.async_publish.call_args[0][1] == 2
 
 
 async def test_service_call_with_payload_doesnt_render_template(hass, mqtt_mock):
diff --git a/tests/components/mqtt/test_light.py b/tests/components/mqtt/test_light.py
index 5481b8b2565..23c9a15a7dc 100644
--- a/tests/components/mqtt/test_light.py
+++ b/tests/components/mqtt/test_light.py
@@ -837,7 +837,7 @@ async def test_sending_mqtt_color_temp_command_with_template(hass, mqtt_mock):
     mqtt_mock.async_publish.assert_has_calls(
         [
             call("test_light_color_temp/set", "on", 0, False),
-            call("test_light_color_temp/color_temp/set", "10", 0, False),
+            call("test_light_color_temp/color_temp/set", 10, 0, False),
         ],
         any_order=True,
     )
diff --git a/tests/components/script/test_init.py b/tests/components/script/test_init.py
index 152c74d8fe9..068b0b91a2c 100644
--- a/tests/components/script/test_init.py
+++ b/tests/components/script/test_init.py
@@ -705,4 +705,4 @@ async def test_script_variables(hass, caplog):
     await hass.services.async_call("script", "script3", {"break": 0}, blocking=True)
 
     assert len(mock_calls) == 4
-    assert mock_calls[3].data["value"] == "1"
+    assert mock_calls[3].data["value"] == 1
diff --git a/tests/components/snips/test_init.py b/tests/components/snips/test_init.py
index dc69c10a7fb..82811b61925 100644
--- a/tests/components/snips/test_init.py
+++ b/tests/components/snips/test_init.py
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ async def test_intent_special_slots(hass, mqtt_mock):
     assert len(calls) == 1
     assert calls[0].domain == "light"
     assert calls[0].service == "turn_on"
-    assert calls[0].data["confidenceScore"] == "0.85"
+    assert calls[0].data["confidenceScore"] == 0.85
     assert calls[0].data["site_id"] == "default"
 
 
diff --git a/tests/components/template/test_fan.py b/tests/components/template/test_fan.py
index 10af5fd0b74..20ab78f958d 100644
--- a/tests/components/template/test_fan.py
+++ b/tests/components/template/test_fan.py
@@ -662,7 +662,7 @@ def _verify(
     """Verify fan's state, speed and osc."""
     state = hass.states.get(_TEST_FAN)
     attributes = state.attributes
-    assert state.state == expected_state
+    assert state.state == str(expected_state)
     assert attributes.get(ATTR_SPEED) == expected_speed
     assert attributes.get(ATTR_OSCILLATING) == expected_oscillating
     assert attributes.get(ATTR_DIRECTION) == expected_direction
diff --git a/tests/components/template/test_light.py b/tests/components/template/test_light.py
index 5353aaa7d17..1b99e1cec0a 100644
--- a/tests/components/template/test_light.py
+++ b/tests/components/template/test_light.py
@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@ class TestTemplateLight:
         )
         self.hass.block_till_done()
         assert len(self.calls) == 1
-        assert self.calls[0].data["white_value"] == "124"
+        assert self.calls[0].data["white_value"] == 124
 
         state = self.hass.states.get("light.test_template_light")
         assert state is not None
@@ -649,7 +649,7 @@ class TestTemplateLight:
         common.turn_on(self.hass, "light.test_template_light", **{ATTR_BRIGHTNESS: 124})
         self.hass.block_till_done()
         assert len(self.calls) == 1
-        assert self.calls[0].data["brightness"] == "124"
+        assert self.calls[0].data["brightness"] == 124
 
         state = self.hass.states.get("light.test_template_light")
         _LOGGER.info(str(state.attributes))
@@ -802,7 +802,7 @@ class TestTemplateLight:
         common.turn_on(self.hass, "light.test_template_light", **{ATTR_COLOR_TEMP: 345})
         self.hass.block_till_done()
         assert len(self.calls) == 1
-        assert self.calls[0].data["color_temp"] == "345"
+        assert self.calls[0].data["color_temp"] == 345
 
         state = self.hass.states.get("light.test_template_light")
         _LOGGER.info(str(state.attributes))
@@ -1008,18 +1008,18 @@ class TestTemplateLight:
         )
         self.hass.block_till_done()
         assert len(self.calls) == 2
-        assert self.calls[0].data["h"] == "40"
-        assert self.calls[0].data["s"] == "50"
-        assert self.calls[1].data["h"] == "40"
-        assert self.calls[1].data["s"] == "50"
+        assert self.calls[0].data["h"] == 40
+        assert self.calls[0].data["s"] == 50
+        assert self.calls[1].data["h"] == 40
+        assert self.calls[1].data["s"] == 50
 
         state = self.hass.states.get("light.test_template_light")
         _LOGGER.info(str(state.attributes))
         assert state is not None
-        assert self.calls[0].data["h"] == "40"
-        assert self.calls[0].data["s"] == "50"
-        assert self.calls[1].data["h"] == "40"
-        assert self.calls[1].data["s"] == "50"
+        assert self.calls[0].data["h"] == 40
+        assert self.calls[0].data["s"] == 50
+        assert self.calls[1].data["h"] == 40
+        assert self.calls[1].data["s"] == 50
 
     @pytest.mark.parametrize(
         "expected_hs,template",
diff --git a/tests/components/template/test_sensor.py b/tests/components/template/test_sensor.py
index 26cb35a0388..681794e910f 100644
--- a/tests/components/template/test_sensor.py
+++ b/tests/components/template/test_sensor.py
@@ -867,7 +867,7 @@ async def test_self_referencing_entity_picture_loop(hass, caplog):
 
     state = hass.states.get("sensor.test")
     assert int(state.state) == 1
-    assert state.attributes[ATTR_ENTITY_PICTURE] == "2"
+    assert state.attributes[ATTR_ENTITY_PICTURE] == 2
 
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert int(state.state) == 1
diff --git a/tests/components/vilfo/test_config_flow.py b/tests/components/vilfo/test_config_flow.py
index 167fc71a78a..f14ec123ba5 100644
--- a/tests/components/vilfo/test_config_flow.py
+++ b/tests/components/vilfo/test_config_flow.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ from homeassistant import config_entries, data_entry_flow, setup
 from homeassistant.components.vilfo.const import DOMAIN
 from homeassistant.const import CONF_ACCESS_TOKEN, CONF_HOST, CONF_ID, CONF_MAC
 
-from tests.async_mock import patch
+from tests.async_mock import Mock, patch
 
 
 async def test_form(hass):
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ async def test_form(hass):
             result["flow_id"],
             {CONF_HOST: "testadmin.vilfo.com", CONF_ACCESS_TOKEN: "test-token"},
         )
+        await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
     assert result2["type"] == data_entry_flow.RESULT_TYPE_CREATE_ENTRY
     assert result2["title"] == "testadmin.vilfo.com"
@@ -142,7 +143,10 @@ async def test_form_unexpected_exception(hass):
         DOMAIN, context={"source": config_entries.SOURCE_USER}
     )
 
-    with patch("vilfo.Client.ping", side_effect=Exception):
+    with patch(
+        "homeassistant.components.vilfo.config_flow.VilfoClient",
+    ) as mock_client:
+        mock_client.return_value.ping = Mock(side_effect=Exception)
         result2 = await hass.config_entries.flow.async_configure(
             result["flow_id"],
             {"host": "testadmin.vilfo.com", "access_token": "test-token"},
diff --git a/tests/helpers/test_event.py b/tests/helpers/test_event.py
index bb0d17d7b0e..5c3a6c1a71d 100644
--- a/tests/helpers/test_event.py
+++ b/tests/helpers/test_event.py
@@ -958,7 +958,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.domain", "light")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 1
-    assert specific_runs[0].strip() == "['light.one']"
+    assert specific_runs[0] == ["light.one"]
 
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
@@ -969,7 +969,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.domain", "lock")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 2
-    assert specific_runs[1].strip() == "['lock.one']"
+    assert specific_runs[1] == ["lock.one"]
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
         "domains": {"lock"},
@@ -987,7 +987,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.domain", "light")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 4
-    assert specific_runs[3].strip() == "['light.one']"
+    assert specific_runs[3] == ["light.one"]
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
         "domains": {"light"},
@@ -1022,7 +1022,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.domain", "lock")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 7
-    assert specific_runs[6].strip() == "['lock.one']"
+    assert specific_runs[6] == ["lock.one"]
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
         "domains": {"lock"},
@@ -1032,7 +1032,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.domain", "single_binary_sensor")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 8
-    assert specific_runs[7].strip() == "unknown"
+    assert specific_runs[7] == "unknown"
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
         "domains": set(),
@@ -1042,7 +1042,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("binary_sensor.single", "binary_sensor_on")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 9
-    assert specific_runs[8].strip() == "binary_sensor_on"
+    assert specific_runs[8] == "binary_sensor_on"
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
         "domains": set(),
@@ -1052,7 +1052,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_complex(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.domain", "lock")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 10
-    assert specific_runs[9].strip() == "['lock.one']"
+    assert specific_runs[9] == ["lock.one"]
     assert info.listeners == {
         "all": False,
         "domains": {"lock"},
@@ -1144,13 +1144,13 @@ async def test_track_template_result_with_group(hass):
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 1
 
-    assert specific_runs[0] == str(100.1 + 200.2 + 400.4)
+    assert specific_runs[0] == 100.1 + 200.2 + 400.4
 
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.power_3", 0)
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
     assert len(specific_runs) == 2
 
-    assert specific_runs[1] == str(100.1 + 200.2 + 0)
+    assert specific_runs[1] == 100.1 + 200.2 + 0
 
     with patch(
         "homeassistant.config.load_yaml_config_file",
@@ -1165,7 +1165,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_with_group(hass):
 
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert specific_runs[-1] == str(100.1 + 200.2 + 0 + 800.8)
+    assert specific_runs[-1] == 100.1 + 200.2 + 0 + 800.8
 
 
 async def test_track_template_result_and_conditional(hass):
@@ -1421,38 +1421,38 @@ async def test_track_template_rate_limit(hass):
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.one", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0]
     info.async_refresh()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.two", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1]
     next_time = dt_util.utcnow() + timedelta(seconds=0.125)
     with patch(
         "homeassistant.helpers.ratelimit.dt_util.utcnow", return_value=next_time
     ):
         async_fire_time_changed(hass, next_time)
         await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1, 2]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.three", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1, 2]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.four", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1, 2]
     next_time = dt_util.utcnow() + timedelta(seconds=0.125 * 2)
     with patch(
         "homeassistant.helpers.ratelimit.dt_util.utcnow", return_value=next_time
     ):
         async_fire_time_changed(hass, next_time)
         await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1", "2", "4"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1, 2, 4]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.five", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1", "2", "4"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1, 2, 4]
 
 
 async def test_track_template_rate_limit_five(hass):
@@ -1474,18 +1474,18 @@ async def test_track_template_rate_limit_five(hass):
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.one", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0]
     info.async_refresh()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.two", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.three", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [0, 1]
 
 
 async def test_track_template_has_default_rate_limit(hass):
@@ -1508,18 +1508,18 @@ async def test_track_template_has_default_rate_limit(hass):
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.one", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1]
     info.async_refresh()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.two", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.three", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2]
 
 
 async def test_track_template_unavailable_sates_has_default_rate_limit(hass):
@@ -1545,21 +1545,21 @@ async def test_track_template_unavailable_sates_has_default_rate_limit(hass):
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.one", "unknown")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1]
     info.async_refresh()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.two", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.three", "unknown")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2]
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs == ["1", "2", "3"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [1, 2, 3]
 
 
 async def test_specifically_referenced_entity_is_not_rate_limited(hass):
@@ -1628,19 +1628,19 @@ async def test_track_two_templates_with_different_rate_limits(hass):
     info.async_refresh()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.one", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0]
     info.async_refresh()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0", "1"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0, 1]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.two", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0", "1"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0, 1]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0, 1]
     next_time = dt_util.utcnow() + timedelta(seconds=0.125 * 1)
     with patch(
         "homeassistant.helpers.ratelimit.dt_util.utcnow", return_value=next_time
@@ -1648,20 +1648,20 @@ async def test_track_two_templates_with_different_rate_limits(hass):
         async_fire_time_changed(hass, next_time)
         await hass.async_block_till_done()
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0", "1", "2"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0, 1, 2]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.three", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0", "1", "2"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0, 1, 2]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.four", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0", "1", "2"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0, 1, 2]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0, 1]
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.five", "any")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
-    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == ["0", "1", "2"]
-    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == ["0", "1"]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_one] == [0, 1, 2]
+    assert refresh_runs[template_five] == [0, 1]
 
 
 async def test_string(hass):
@@ -1702,7 +1702,7 @@ async def test_track_template_result_refresh_cancel(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("switch.test", "off")
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert refresh_runs == ["False"]
+    assert refresh_runs == [False]
 
     assert len(refresh_runs) == 1
 
@@ -1770,9 +1770,9 @@ async def test_async_track_template_result_multiple_templates(hass):
 
     assert refresh_runs == [
         [
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, None, "True"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, None, "True"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, None, "False"),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, None, True),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, None, True),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, None, False),
         ]
     ]
 
@@ -1782,9 +1782,9 @@ async def test_async_track_template_result_multiple_templates(hass):
 
     assert refresh_runs == [
         [
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, "True", "False"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, "True", "False"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, "False", "True"),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, True, False),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, True, False),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, False, True),
         ]
     ]
 
@@ -1793,7 +1793,7 @@ async def test_async_track_template_result_multiple_templates(hass):
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
     assert refresh_runs == [
-        [TrackTemplateResult(template_4, None, "['binary_sensor.test']")]
+        [TrackTemplateResult(template_4, None, ["binary_sensor.test"])]
     ]
 
 
@@ -1827,10 +1827,10 @@ async def test_async_track_template_result_multiple_templates_mixing_domain(hass
 
     assert refresh_runs == [
         [
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, None, "True"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, None, "True"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, None, "False"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_4, None, "['switch.test']"),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, None, True),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, None, True),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, None, False),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_4, None, ["switch.test"]),
         ]
     ]
 
@@ -1840,9 +1840,9 @@ async def test_async_track_template_result_multiple_templates_mixing_domain(hass
 
     assert refresh_runs == [
         [
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, "True", "False"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, "True", "False"),
-            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, "False", "True"),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_1, True, False),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_2, True, False),
+            TrackTemplateResult(template_3, False, True),
         ]
     ]
 
@@ -1859,7 +1859,7 @@ async def test_async_track_template_result_multiple_templates_mixing_domain(hass
     assert refresh_runs == [
         [
             TrackTemplateResult(
-                template_4, "['switch.test']", "['switch.new', 'switch.test']"
+                template_4, ["switch.test"], ["switch.new", "switch.test"]
             )
         ]
     ]
diff --git a/tests/helpers/test_script.py b/tests/helpers/test_script.py
index 93bb249c485..a7cf6b17e7a 100644
--- a/tests/helpers/test_script.py
+++ b/tests/helpers/test_script.py
@@ -194,8 +194,8 @@ async def test_multiple_runs_no_wait(hass):
 
         calls.append(service)
         logger.debug("simulated service (%s:%s) started", fire, listen)
-        unsub = hass.bus.async_listen(listen, service_done_cb)
-        hass.bus.async_fire(fire)
+        unsub = hass.bus.async_listen(str(listen), service_done_cb)
+        hass.bus.async_fire(str(fire))
         await service_done.wait()
         unsub()
 
@@ -834,14 +834,14 @@ async def test_wait_variables_out(hass, mode, action_type):
         assert not script_obj.is_running
         assert len(events) == 1
         if action_type == "template":
-            assert events[0].data["completed"] == str(mode != "timeout_not_finish")
+            assert events[0].data["completed"] == (mode != "timeout_not_finish")
         elif mode != "timeout_not_finish":
             assert "'to_state': <state switch.test=off" in events[0].data["trigger"]
         else:
-            assert events[0].data["trigger"] == "None"
+            assert events[0].data["trigger"] is None
         remaining = events[0].data["remaining"]
         if mode == "no_timeout":
-            assert remaining == "None"
+            assert remaining is None
         elif mode == "timeout_finish":
             assert 0.0 < float(remaining) < 5
         else:
@@ -977,9 +977,9 @@ async def test_repeat_count(hass):
 
     assert len(events) == count
     for index, event in enumerate(events):
-        assert event.data.get("first") == str(index == 0)
-        assert event.data.get("index") == str(index + 1)
-        assert event.data.get("last") == str(index == count - 1)
+        assert event.data.get("first") == (index == 0)
+        assert event.data.get("index") == index + 1
+        assert event.data.get("last") == (index == count - 1)
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("condition", ["while", "until"])
@@ -1052,8 +1052,8 @@ async def test_repeat_conditional(hass, condition, direct_template):
 
     assert len(events) == count
     for index, event in enumerate(events):
-        assert event.data.get("first") == str(index == 0)
-        assert event.data.get("index") == str(index + 1)
+        assert event.data.get("first") == (index == 0)
+        assert event.data.get("index") == index + 1
 
 
 @pytest.mark.parametrize("condition", ["while", "until"])
@@ -1089,8 +1089,8 @@ async def test_repeat_var_in_condition(hass, condition):
 @pytest.mark.parametrize(
     "variables,first_last,inside_x",
     [
-        (None, {"repeat": "None", "x": "None"}, "None"),
-        (MappingProxyType({"x": 1}), {"repeat": "None", "x": "1"}, "1"),
+        (None, {"repeat": None, "x": None}, None),
+        (MappingProxyType({"x": 1}), {"repeat": None, "x": 1}, 1),
     ],
 )
 async def test_repeat_nested(hass, variables, first_last, inside_x):
@@ -1168,14 +1168,14 @@ async def test_repeat_nested(hass, variables, first_last, inside_x):
     assert events[-1].data == first_last
     for index, result in enumerate(
         (
-            ("True", "1", "False", inside_x),
-            ("True", "1", "False", inside_x),
-            ("False", "2", "True", inside_x),
-            ("True", "1", "False", inside_x),
-            ("False", "2", "True", inside_x),
-            ("True", "1", "False", inside_x),
-            ("False", "2", "True", inside_x),
-            ("False", "2", "True", inside_x),
+            (True, 1, False, inside_x),
+            (True, 1, False, inside_x),
+            (False, 2, True, inside_x),
+            (True, 1, False, inside_x),
+            (False, 2, True, inside_x),
+            (True, 1, False, inside_x),
+            (False, 2, True, inside_x),
+            (False, 2, True, inside_x),
         ),
         1,
     ):
@@ -1827,8 +1827,8 @@ async def test_set_redefines_variable(hass, caplog):
     await script_obj.async_run(context=Context())
     await hass.async_block_till_done()
 
-    assert mock_calls[0].data["value"] == "1"
-    assert mock_calls[1].data["value"] == "2"
+    assert mock_calls[0].data["value"] == 1
+    assert mock_calls[1].data["value"] == 2
 
 
 async def test_validate_action_config(hass):
diff --git a/tests/helpers/test_script_variables.py b/tests/helpers/test_script_variables.py
index 20a70cb33eb..1c9b270978c 100644
--- a/tests/helpers/test_script_variables.py
+++ b/tests/helpers/test_script_variables.py
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ async def test_template_vars(hass):
     """Test template vars."""
     var = cv.SCRIPT_VARIABLES_SCHEMA({"hello": "{{ 1 + 1 }}"})
     rendered = var.async_render(hass, None)
-    assert rendered == {"hello": "2"}
+    assert rendered == {"hello": 2}
 
 
 async def test_template_vars_run_args(hass):
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ async def test_template_vars_run_args(hass):
     )
     assert rendered == {
         "run_var_ex": 5,
-        "something": "6",
+        "something": 6,
         "something_2": 1,
     }
 
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ async def test_template_vars_no_default(hass):
     """Test template vars."""
     var = cv.SCRIPT_VARIABLES_SCHEMA({"hello": "{{ 1 + 1 }}"})
     rendered = var.async_render(hass, None, render_as_defaults=False)
-    assert rendered == {"hello": "2"}
+    assert rendered == {"hello": 2}
 
 
 async def test_template_vars_run_args_no_default(hass):
@@ -100,8 +100,8 @@ async def test_template_vars_run_args_no_default(hass):
     )
     assert rendered == {
         "run_var_ex": 5,
-        "something": "6",
-        "something_2": "6",
+        "something": 6,
+        "something_2": 6,
     }
 
 
diff --git a/tests/helpers/test_template.py b/tests/helpers/test_template.py
index 5535fa53993..37c9255f1ae 100644
--- a/tests/helpers/test_template.py
+++ b/tests/helpers/test_template.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import pytest
 import pytz
 
 from homeassistant.components import group
+from homeassistant.config import async_process_ha_core_config
 from homeassistant.const import (
     ATTR_UNIT_OF_MEASUREMENT,
     LENGTH_METERS,
@@ -173,7 +174,7 @@ def test_iterating_all_states_unavailable(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.temperature", 10)
 
     info = render_to_info(hass, tmpl_str)
-    assert_result_info(info, "1", entities=[], all_states=True)
+    assert_result_info(info, 1, entities=[], all_states=True)
 
 
 def test_iterating_domain_states(hass):
@@ -205,14 +206,14 @@ def test_float(hass):
         template.Template(
             "{{ float(states.sensor.temperature.state) }}", hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "12.0"
+        == 12.0
     )
 
     assert (
         template.Template(
             "{{ float(states.sensor.temperature.state) > 11 }}", hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "True"
+        is True
     )
 
     assert (
@@ -229,41 +230,41 @@ def test_rounding_value(hass):
         template.Template(
             "{{ states.sensor.temperature.state | round(1) }}", hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "12.8"
+        == 12.8
     )
 
     assert (
         template.Template(
             "{{ states.sensor.temperature.state | multiply(10) | round }}", hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "128"
+        == 128
     )
 
     assert (
         template.Template(
             '{{ states.sensor.temperature.state | round(1, "floor") }}', hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "12.7"
+        == 12.7
     )
 
     assert (
         template.Template(
             '{{ states.sensor.temperature.state | round(1, "ceil") }}', hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "12.8"
+        == 12.8
     )
 
     assert (
         template.Template(
             '{{ states.sensor.temperature.state | round(1, "half") }}', hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "13.0"
+        == 13.0
     )
 
 
 def test_rounding_value_get_original_value_on_error(hass):
     """Test rounding value get original value on error."""
-    assert template.Template("{{ None | round }}", hass).async_render() == "None"
+    assert template.Template("{{ None | round }}", hass).async_render() is None
 
     assert (
         template.Template('{{ "no_number" | round }}', hass).async_render()
@@ -273,7 +274,7 @@ def test_rounding_value_get_original_value_on_error(hass):
 
 def test_multiply(hass):
     """Test multiply."""
-    tests = {None: "None", 10: "100", '"abcd"': "abcd"}
+    tests = {None: None, 10: 100, '"abcd"': "abcd"}
 
     for inp, out in tests.items():
         assert (
@@ -287,11 +288,11 @@ def test_multiply(hass):
 def test_logarithm(hass):
     """Test logarithm."""
     tests = [
-        (4, 2, "2.0"),
-        (1000, 10, "3.0"),
-        (math.e, "", "1.0"),
+        (4, 2, 2.0),
+        (1000, 10, 3.0),
+        (math.e, "", 1.0),
         ('"invalid"', "_", "invalid"),
-        (10, '"invalid"', "10.0"),
+        (10, '"invalid"', 10.0),
     ]
 
     for value, base, expected in tests:
@@ -313,11 +314,11 @@ def test_logarithm(hass):
 def test_sine(hass):
     """Test sine."""
     tests = [
-        (0, "0.0"),
-        (math.pi / 2, "1.0"),
-        (math.pi, "0.0"),
-        (math.pi * 1.5, "-1.0"),
-        (math.pi / 10, "0.309"),
+        (0, 0.0),
+        (math.pi / 2, 1.0),
+        (math.pi, 0.0),
+        (math.pi * 1.5, -1.0),
+        (math.pi / 10, 0.309),
         ('"duck"', "duck"),
     ]
 
@@ -331,11 +332,11 @@ def test_sine(hass):
 def test_cos(hass):
     """Test cosine."""
     tests = [
-        (0, "1.0"),
-        (math.pi / 2, "0.0"),
-        (math.pi, "-1.0"),
-        (math.pi * 1.5, "-0.0"),
-        (math.pi / 10, "0.951"),
+        (0, 1.0),
+        (math.pi / 2, 0.0),
+        (math.pi, -1.0),
+        (math.pi * 1.5, -0.0),
+        (math.pi / 10, 0.951),
         ("'error'", "error"),
     ]
 
@@ -349,11 +350,11 @@ def test_cos(hass):
 def test_tan(hass):
     """Test tangent."""
     tests = [
-        (0, "0.0"),
-        (math.pi, "-0.0"),
-        (math.pi / 180 * 45, "1.0"),
-        (math.pi / 180 * 90, "1.633123935319537e+16"),
-        (math.pi / 180 * 135, "-1.0"),
+        (0, 0.0),
+        (math.pi, -0.0),
+        (math.pi / 180 * 45, 1.0),
+        (math.pi / 180 * 90, 1.633123935319537e16),
+        (math.pi / 180 * 135, -1.0),
         ("'error'", "error"),
     ]
 
@@ -367,11 +368,11 @@ def test_tan(hass):
 def test_sqrt(hass):
     """Test square root."""
     tests = [
-        (0, "0.0"),
-        (1, "1.0"),
-        (2, "1.414"),
-        (10, "3.162"),
-        (100, "10.0"),
+        (0, 0.0),
+        (1, 1.0),
+        (2, 1.414),
+        (10, 3.162),
+        (100, 10.0),
         ("'error'", "error"),
     ]
 
@@ -385,13 +386,13 @@ def test_sqrt(hass):
 def test_arc_sine(hass):
     """Test arcus sine."""
     tests = [
-        (-2.0, "-2.0"),  # value error
-        (-1.0, "-1.571"),
-        (-0.5, "-0.524"),
-        (0.0, "0.0"),
-        (0.5, "0.524"),
-        (1.0, "1.571"),
-        (2.0, "2.0"),  # value error
+        (-2.0, -2.0),  # value error
+        (-1.0, -1.571),
+        (-0.5, -0.524),
+        (0.0, 0.0),
+        (0.5, 0.524),
+        (1.0, 1.571),
+        (2.0, 2.0),  # value error
         ('"error"', "error"),
     ]
 
@@ -405,13 +406,13 @@ def test_arc_sine(hass):
 def test_arc_cos(hass):
     """Test arcus cosine."""
     tests = [
-        (-2.0, "-2.0"),  # value error
-        (-1.0, "3.142"),
-        (-0.5, "2.094"),
-        (0.0, "1.571"),
-        (0.5, "1.047"),
-        (1.0, "0.0"),
-        (2.0, "2.0"),  # value error
+        (-2.0, -2.0),  # value error
+        (-1.0, 3.142),
+        (-0.5, 2.094),
+        (0.0, 1.571),
+        (0.5, 1.047),
+        (1.0, 0.0),
+        (2.0, 2.0),  # value error
         ('"error"', "error"),
     ]
 
@@ -425,15 +426,15 @@ def test_arc_cos(hass):
 def test_arc_tan(hass):
     """Test arcus tangent."""
     tests = [
-        (-10.0, "-1.471"),
-        (-2.0, "-1.107"),
-        (-1.0, "-0.785"),
-        (-0.5, "-0.464"),
-        (0.0, "0.0"),
-        (0.5, "0.464"),
-        (1.0, "0.785"),
-        (2.0, "1.107"),
-        (10.0, "1.471"),
+        (-10.0, -1.471),
+        (-2.0, -1.107),
+        (-1.0, -0.785),
+        (-0.5, -0.464),
+        (0.0, 0.0),
+        (0.5, 0.464),
+        (1.0, 0.785),
+        (2.0, 1.107),
+        (10.0, 1.471),
         ('"error"', "error"),
     ]
 
@@ -447,19 +448,19 @@ def test_arc_tan(hass):
 def test_arc_tan2(hass):
     """Test two parameter version of arcus tangent."""
     tests = [
-        (-10.0, -10.0, "-2.356"),
-        (-10.0, 0.0, "-1.571"),
-        (-10.0, 10.0, "-0.785"),
-        (0.0, -10.0, "3.142"),
-        (0.0, 0.0, "0.0"),
-        (0.0, 10.0, "0.0"),
-        (10.0, -10.0, "2.356"),
-        (10.0, 0.0, "1.571"),
-        (10.0, 10.0, "0.785"),
-        (-4.0, 3.0, "-0.927"),
-        (-1.0, 2.0, "-0.464"),
-        (2.0, 1.0, "1.107"),
-        ('"duck"', '"goose"', "('duck', 'goose')"),
+        (-10.0, -10.0, -2.356),
+        (-10.0, 0.0, -1.571),
+        (-10.0, 10.0, -0.785),
+        (0.0, -10.0, 3.142),
+        (0.0, 0.0, 0.0),
+        (0.0, 10.0, 0.0),
+        (10.0, -10.0, 2.356),
+        (10.0, 0.0, 1.571),
+        (10.0, 10.0, 0.785),
+        (-4.0, 3.0, -0.927),
+        (-1.0, 2.0, -0.464),
+        (2.0, 1.0, 1.107),
+        ('"duck"', '"goose"', ("duck", "goose")),
     ]
 
     for y, x, expected in tests:
@@ -486,26 +487,26 @@ def test_strptime(hass):
         ("2016-10-19", "%Y-%m-%d", None),
         ("2016", "%Y", None),
         ("15:22:05", "%H:%M:%S", None),
-        ("1469119144", "%Y", "1469119144"),
+        ("1469119144", "%Y", 1469119144),
         ("invalid", "%Y", "invalid"),
     ]
 
     for inp, fmt, expected in tests:
         if expected is None:
-            expected = datetime.strptime(inp, fmt)
+            expected = str(datetime.strptime(inp, fmt))
 
         temp = f"{{{{ strptime('{inp}', '{fmt}') }}}}"
 
-        assert template.Template(temp, hass).async_render() == str(expected)
+        assert template.Template(temp, hass).async_render() == expected
 
 
 def test_timestamp_custom(hass):
     """Test the timestamps to custom filter."""
     now = dt_util.utcnow()
     tests = [
-        (None, None, None, "None"),
+        (None, None, None, None),
         (1469119144, None, True, "2016-07-21 16:39:04"),
-        (1469119144, "%Y", True, "2016"),
+        (1469119144, "%Y", True, 2016),
         (1469119144, "invalid", True, "invalid"),
         (dt_util.as_timestamp(now), None, False, now.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S")),
     ]
@@ -523,7 +524,7 @@ def test_timestamp_custom(hass):
 
 def test_timestamp_local(hass):
     """Test the timestamps to local filter."""
-    tests = {None: "None", 1469119144: "2016-07-21 16:39:04"}
+    tests = {None: None, 1469119144: "2016-07-21 16:39:04"}
 
     for inp, out in tests.items():
         assert (
@@ -550,7 +551,7 @@ def test_to_json(hass):
 
     # Note that we're not testing the actual json.loads and json.dumps methods,
     # only the filters, so we don't need to be exhaustive with our sample JSON.
-    expected_result = '{"Foo": "Bar"}'
+    expected_result = {"Foo": "Bar"}
     actual_result = template.Template(
         "{{ {'Foo': 'Bar'} | to_json }}", hass
     ).async_render()
@@ -571,17 +572,17 @@ def test_from_json(hass):
 
 def test_min(hass):
     """Test the min filter."""
-    assert template.Template("{{ [1, 2, 3] | min }}", hass).async_render() == "1"
+    assert template.Template("{{ [1, 2, 3] | min }}", hass).async_render() == 1
 
 
 def test_max(hass):
     """Test the max filter."""
-    assert template.Template("{{ [1, 2, 3] | max }}", hass).async_render() == "3"
+    assert template.Template("{{ [1, 2, 3] | max }}", hass).async_render() == 3
 
 
 def test_ord(hass):
     """Test the ord filter."""
-    assert template.Template('{{ "d" | ord }}', hass).async_render() == "100"
+    assert template.Template('{{ "d" | ord }}', hass).async_render() == 100
 
 
 def test_base64_encode(hass):
@@ -626,7 +627,7 @@ def test_timestamp_utc(hass):
     """Test the timestamps to local filter."""
     now = dt_util.utcnow()
     tests = {
-        None: "None",
+        None: None,
         1469119144: "2016-07-21 16:39:04",
         dt_util.as_timestamp(now): now.strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S"),
     }
@@ -641,20 +642,19 @@ def test_timestamp_utc(hass):
 def test_as_timestamp(hass):
     """Test the as_timestamp function."""
     assert (
-        template.Template('{{ as_timestamp("invalid") }}', hass).async_render()
-        == "None"
+        template.Template('{{ as_timestamp("invalid") }}', hass).async_render() is None
     )
     hass.mock = None
     assert (
         template.Template("{{ as_timestamp(states.mock) }}", hass).async_render()
-        == "None"
+        is None
     )
 
     tpl = (
         '{{ as_timestamp(strptime("2024-02-03T09:10:24+0000", '
         '"%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S%z")) }}'
     )
-    assert template.Template(tpl, hass).async_render() == "1706951424.0"
+    assert template.Template(tpl, hass).async_render() == 1706951424.0
 
 
 @patch.object(random, "choice")
@@ -669,22 +669,19 @@ def test_random_every_time(test_choice, hass):
 
 def test_passing_vars_as_keywords(hass):
     """Test passing variables as keywords."""
-    assert template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass).async_render(hello=127) == "127"
+    assert template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass).async_render(hello=127) == 127
 
 
 def test_passing_vars_as_vars(hass):
     """Test passing variables as variables."""
-    assert template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass).async_render({"hello": 127}) == "127"
+    assert template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass).async_render({"hello": 127}) == 127
 
 
 def test_passing_vars_as_list(hass):
     """Test passing variables as list."""
-    assert (
-        template.render_complex(
-            template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass), {"hello": ["foo", "bar"]}
-        )
-        == "['foo', 'bar']"
-    )
+    assert template.render_complex(
+        template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass), {"hello": ["foo", "bar"]}
+    ) == ["foo", "bar"]
 
 
 def test_passing_vars_as_list_element(hass):
@@ -709,12 +706,9 @@ def test_passing_vars_as_dict_element(hass):
 
 def test_passing_vars_as_dict(hass):
     """Test passing variables as list."""
-    assert (
-        template.render_complex(
-            template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass), {"hello": {"foo": "bar"}}
-        )
-        == "{'foo': 'bar'}"
-    )
+    assert template.render_complex(
+        template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass), {"hello": {"foo": "bar"}}
+    ) == {"foo": "bar"}
 
 
 def test_render_with_possible_json_value_with_valid_json(hass):
@@ -801,7 +795,7 @@ def test_is_state(hass):
         """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "False"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is False
 
 
 def test_is_state_attr(hass):
@@ -821,7 +815,7 @@ def test_is_state_attr(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "False"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is False
 
 
 def test_state_attr(hass):
@@ -841,7 +835,7 @@ def test_state_attr(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
 
 def test_states_function(hass):
@@ -994,7 +988,7 @@ def test_regex_match(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
@@ -1002,7 +996,7 @@ def test_regex_match(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
@@ -1010,7 +1004,7 @@ def test_regex_match(hass):
                     """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "False"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is False
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
@@ -1018,7 +1012,7 @@ def test_regex_match(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
 
 def test_regex_search(hass):
@@ -1029,7 +1023,7 @@ def test_regex_search(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
@@ -1037,7 +1031,7 @@ def test_regex_search(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
@@ -1045,7 +1039,7 @@ def test_regex_search(hass):
                     """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
@@ -1053,7 +1047,7 @@ def test_regex_search(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "True"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is True
 
 
 def test_regex_replace(hass):
@@ -1072,7 +1066,7 @@ def test_regex_replace(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "['Home Assistant test']"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == ["Home Assistant test"]
 
 
 def test_regex_findall_index(hass):
@@ -1110,21 +1104,21 @@ def test_bitwise_and(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == str(8 & 8)
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 8 & 8
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
 {{ 10 | bitwise_and(2) }}
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == str(10 & 2)
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 10 & 2
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
 {{ 8 | bitwise_and(2) }}
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == str(8 & 2)
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 8 & 2
 
 
 def test_bitwise_or(hass):
@@ -1135,21 +1129,21 @@ def test_bitwise_or(hass):
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == str(8 | 8)
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 8 | 8
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
 {{ 10 | bitwise_or(2) }}
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == str(10 | 2)
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 10 | 2
     tpl = template.Template(
         """
 {{ 8 | bitwise_or(2) }}
             """,
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == str(8 | 2)
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 8 | 2
 
 
 def test_distance_function_with_1_state(hass):
@@ -1159,7 +1153,7 @@ def test_distance_function_with_1_state(hass):
         "test.object", "happy", {"latitude": 32.87336, "longitude": -117.22943}
     )
     tpl = template.Template("{{ distance(states.test.object) | round }}", hass)
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 187
 
 
 def test_distance_function_with_2_states(hass):
@@ -1176,14 +1170,14 @@ def test_distance_function_with_2_states(hass):
     tpl = template.Template(
         "{{ distance(states.test.object, states.test.object_2) | round }}", hass
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 187
 
 
 def test_distance_function_with_1_coord(hass):
     """Test distance function with 1 coord."""
     _set_up_units(hass)
     tpl = template.Template('{{ distance("32.87336", "-117.22943") | round }}', hass)
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 187
 
 
 def test_distance_function_with_2_coords(hass):
@@ -1195,7 +1189,7 @@ def test_distance_function_with_2_coords(hass):
             % (hass.config.latitude, hass.config.longitude),
             hass,
         ).async_render()
-        == "187"
+        == 187
     )
 
 
@@ -1211,29 +1205,29 @@ def test_distance_function_with_1_state_1_coord(hass):
         '{{ distance("32.87336", "-117.22943", states.test.object_2) ' "| round }}",
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 187
 
     tpl2 = template.Template(
         '{{ distance(states.test.object_2, "32.87336", "-117.22943") ' "| round }}",
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl2.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl2.async_render() == 187
 
 
 def test_distance_function_return_none_if_invalid_state(hass):
     """Test distance function return None if invalid state."""
     hass.states.async_set("test.object_2", "happy", {"latitude": 10})
     tpl = template.Template("{{ distance(states.test.object_2) | round }}", hass)
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "None"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is None
 
 
 def test_distance_function_return_none_if_invalid_coord(hass):
     """Test distance function return None if invalid coord."""
     assert (
-        template.Template('{{ distance("123", "abc") }}', hass).async_render() == "None"
+        template.Template('{{ distance("123", "abc") }}', hass).async_render() is None
     )
 
-    assert template.Template('{{ distance("123") }}', hass).async_render() == "None"
+    assert template.Template('{{ distance("123") }}', hass).async_render() is None
 
     hass.states.async_set(
         "test.object_2",
@@ -1241,7 +1235,7 @@ def test_distance_function_return_none_if_invalid_coord(hass):
         {"latitude": hass.config.latitude, "longitude": hass.config.longitude},
     )
     tpl = template.Template('{{ distance("123", states.test_object_2) }}', hass)
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "None"
+    assert tpl.async_render() is None
 
 
 def test_distance_function_with_2_entity_ids(hass):
@@ -1258,7 +1252,7 @@ def test_distance_function_with_2_entity_ids(hass):
     tpl = template.Template(
         '{{ distance("test.object", "test.object_2") | round }}', hass
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 187
 
 
 def test_distance_function_with_1_entity_1_coord(hass):
@@ -1272,7 +1266,7 @@ def test_distance_function_with_1_entity_1_coord(hass):
     tpl = template.Template(
         '{{ distance("test.object", "32.87336", "-117.22943") | round }}', hass
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "187"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 187
 
 
 def test_closest_function_home_vs_domain(hass):
@@ -1400,11 +1394,11 @@ async def test_closest_function_home_vs_group_state(hass):
 async def test_expand(hass):
     """Test expand function."""
     info = render_to_info(hass, "{{ expand('test.object') }}")
-    assert_result_info(info, "[]", ["test.object"])
+    assert_result_info(info, [], ["test.object"])
     assert info.rate_limit is None
 
     info = render_to_info(hass, "{{ expand(56) }}")
-    assert_result_info(info, "[]")
+    assert_result_info(info, [])
     assert info.rate_limit is None
 
     hass.states.async_set("test.object", "happy")
@@ -1476,7 +1470,7 @@ async def test_expand(hass):
     )
     assert_result_info(
         info,
-        str(200.2 + 400.4),
+        200.2 + 400.4,
         {"group.power_sensors", "sensor.power_1", "sensor.power_2", "sensor.power_3"},
     )
     assert info.rate_limit is None
@@ -1593,7 +1587,7 @@ def test_async_render_to_info_with_complex_branching(hass):
         {"otherdomain": "sensor"},
     )
 
-    assert_result_info(info, "['sensor.a']", {"light.a", "light.b"}, {"sensor"})
+    assert_result_info(info, ["sensor.a"], {"light.a", "light.b"}, {"sensor"})
     assert info.rate_limit == template.DEFAULT_RATE_LIMIT
 
 
@@ -1820,7 +1814,7 @@ def test_closest_function_invalid_state(hass):
     for state in ("states.zone.non_existing", '"zone.non_existing"'):
         assert (
             template.Template("{{ closest(%s, states) }}" % state, hass).async_render()
-            == "None"
+            is None
         )
 
 
@@ -1836,7 +1830,7 @@ def test_closest_function_state_with_invalid_location(hass):
         template.Template(
             "{{ closest(states.test_domain.closest_home, states) }}", hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "None"
+        is None
     )
 
 
@@ -1855,13 +1849,13 @@ def test_closest_function_invalid_coordinates(hass):
         template.Template(
             '{{ closest("invalid", "coord", states) }}', hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "None"
+        is None
     )
     assert (
         template.Template(
             '{{ states | closest("invalid", "coord") }}', hass
         ).async_render()
-        == "None"
+        is None
     )
 
 
@@ -2004,7 +1998,7 @@ async def test_async_render_to_info_in_conditional(hass):
 
     tmp = template.Template(template_str, hass)
     info = tmp.async_render_to_info()
-    assert_result_info(info, "False", ["sensor.xyz"], [])
+    assert_result_info(info, False, ["sensor.xyz"], [])
 
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.xyz", "dog")
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.cow", "True")
@@ -2020,7 +2014,7 @@ async def test_async_render_to_info_in_conditional(hass):
 
     tmp = template.Template(template_str, hass)
     info = tmp.async_render_to_info()
-    assert_result_info(info, "True", ["sensor.xyz", "sensor.cow"], [])
+    assert_result_info(info, True, ["sensor.xyz", "sensor.cow"], [])
 
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.xyz", "sheep")
     hass.states.async_set("sensor.pig", "oink")
@@ -2327,17 +2321,17 @@ def test_length_of_states(hass):
     hass.states.async_set("climate.test2", "cooling")
 
     tpl = template.Template("{{ states | length }}", hass)
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "3"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 3
 
     tpl = template.Template("{{ states.sensor | length }}", hass)
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "2"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 2
 
 
 def test_render_complex_handling_non_template_values(hass):
     """Test that we can render non-template fields."""
     assert template.render_complex(
         {True: 1, False: template.Template("{{ hello }}", hass)}, {"hello": 2}
-    ) == {True: 1, False: "2"}
+    ) == {True: 1, False: 2}
 
 
 def test_urlencode(hass):
@@ -2571,7 +2565,7 @@ async def test_state_attributes(hass):
         "{{ states.sensor.test.state_with_unit }}",
         hass,
     )
-    assert tpl.async_render() == "23"
+    assert tpl.async_render() == 23
 
     tpl = template.Template(
         "{{ states.sensor.test.invalid_prop }}",
@@ -2608,3 +2602,20 @@ async def test_unavailable_states(hass):
         hass,
     )
     assert tpl.async_render() == "light.none, light.unavailable, light.unknown"
+
+
+async def test_legacy_templates(hass):
+    """Test if old template behavior works when legacy templates are enabled."""
+    hass.states.async_set("sensor.temperature", "12")
+
+    assert (
+        template.Template("{{ states.sensor.temperature.state }}", hass).async_render()
+        == 12
+    )
+
+    await async_process_ha_core_config(hass, {"legacy_templates": True})
+
+    assert (
+        template.Template("{{ states.sensor.temperature.state }}", hass).async_render()
+        == "12"
+    )
diff --git a/tests/test_config.py b/tests/test_config.py
index 181e80da30c..368b11c1503 100644
--- a/tests/test_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_config.py
@@ -471,6 +471,7 @@ async def test_loading_configuration(hass):
             "external_url": "https://www.example.com",
             "internal_url": "http://example.local",
             "media_dirs": {"mymedia": "/usr"},
+            "legacy_templates": True,
         },
     )
 
@@ -487,6 +488,7 @@ async def test_loading_configuration(hass):
     assert "/usr" in hass.config.allowlist_external_dirs
     assert hass.config.media_dirs == {"mymedia": "/usr"}
     assert hass.config.config_source == config_util.SOURCE_YAML
+    assert hass.config.legacy_templates is True
 
 
 async def test_loading_configuration_temperature_unit(hass):