Best Air Conditioner for Openhab in 2020

michnovka · June 2, 2020, 3:26pm

Hi all,

Ive browsed through the forums and was trying to find the most complete binding for air conditioner on the forum. From what I read it seems that most people control AC through a 3rd party platform such as MQTT or IFTTT. I found Daikin binding which seems quite up-to-date and complete. I also learnt to stay away from Samsung ACs as they closed their APIs.

So, based on your experience, what is the best AC brand for a new home set-up for this and coming years?

Thanks for sharing!

Bruce_Osborne · June 2, 2020, 4:30pm

Welcome.

In my understanding MQTT is a local protocol for different smart systems to communicate with each other. I personally have never been able to get IFTTT automatically working without significant delay.

hmerk · June 2, 2020, 4:41pm

I would go for devices using Intensis WiFi adapters, which can be controlled locally. Therefore I ordered a Mitsubishi Heavy Duty Multi Split system, containing 3 indoor devices.
There is also a Gee AC binding under development, just look for the according thread.

SpaceGlider · June 2, 2020, 5:38pm

You can also use any with an IR remote, buy an inexpensive IR esp8266 bridge, flash with Tasmota.

Some resources:
https://tasmota.github.io/docs/Tasmota-IR/#sending-irhvac-commands

github.com

crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/SupportedProtocols.md

<!--- WARNING: Do NOT edit this file directly.
      It is generated by './tools/scrape_supported_devices.py'.
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# IR Protocols supported by this library

| Protocol | Brand | Model | A/C Model | Detailed A/C Support |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Airwell](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Airwell.cpp) | **Airwell** | RC08W remote |  | - |
| [Aiwa](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Aiwa.cpp) | **Aiwa** | RC-T501 RCU |  | - |
| [Amcor](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Amcor.cpp) | **[Amcor](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Amcor.h)** | ADR-853H A/C<BR>ADR-853H A/C<BR>TAC-444 remote<BR>TAC-444 remote<BR>TAC-495 remote<BR>TAC-495 remote |  | Yes |
| [Argo](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Argo.cpp) | **[Argo](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Argo.h)** | Ulisse 13 DCI Mobile Split A/C |  | Yes |
| [Carrier](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Carrier.cpp) | **[Carrier/Surrey](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Carrier.h)** | 42QG5A55970 remote<BR>53NGK009/012 Inverter<BR>619EGX0090E0 A/C<BR>619EGX0120E0 A/C<BR>619EGX0180E0 A/C<BR>619EGX0220E0 A/C |  | Yes |
| [Coolix](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.cpp) | **[Airwell](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.h)** | RC08B remote |  | Yes |
| [Coolix](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.cpp) | **[Beko](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.h)** | BINR 070/071 split-type A/C<BR>BINR 070/071 split-type A/C<BR>RG57K7(B)/BGEF Remote<BR>RG57K7(B)/BGEF Remote |  | Yes |
| [Coolix](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.cpp) | **[Midea](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.h)** | MS12FU-10HRDN1-QRD0GW(B) A/C<BR>MS12FU-10HRDN1-QRD0GW(B) A/C<BR>MSABAU-07HRFN1-QRD0GW A/C (circa 2016)<BR>MSABAU-07HRFN1-QRD0GW A/C (circa 2016)<BR>RG52D/BGE Remote<BR>RG52D/BGE Remote |  | Yes |
| [Coolix](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.cpp) | **[Tokio](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Coolix.h)** | AATOEMF17-12CHR1SW split-type RG51\|50/BGE Remote<BR>AATOEMF17-12CHR1SW split-type RG51\|50/BGE Remote |  | Yes |
| [Daikin](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Daikin.cpp) | **[Daikin](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Daikin.h)** | 17 Series A/C (DAIKIN128)<BR>ARC423A5 remote<BR>ARC433** remote<BR>ARC433B69 remote<BR>ARC466A33 remote (DAIKIN)<BR>ARC477A1 remote<BR>ARC480A5 remote (DAIKIN152)<BR>BRC4C153 remote<BR>BRC52B63 remote (DAIKIN128)<BR>DGS01 remote (DAIKIN64)<BR>FFN-C/FCN-F Series A/C (DAIKIN64)<BR>FTE12HV2S A/C<BR>FTXB09AXVJU A/C (DAIKIN128)<BR>FTXB12AXVJU A/C (DAIKIN128)<BR>FTXM-M A/C (DAIKIN)<BR>FTXZ25NV1B A/C<BR>FTXZ35NV1B A/C<BR>FTXZ50NV1B A/C<BR>M Series A/C (DAIKIN) |  | Yes |
| [Delonghi](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Delonghi.cpp) | **[Delonghi](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Delonghi.h)** | PAC A95 |  | Yes |
| [Denon](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Denon.cpp) | **Unknown** |  |  | - |
| [Dish](https://github.com/crankyoldgit/IRremoteESP8266/blob/master/src/ir_Dish.cpp) | **DISH NETWORK** | echostar 301 |  | - |

This file has been truncated. show original

Possible IR Bridge devices (see IR Bridge section)

rpwong · June 2, 2020, 7:34pm

A Logitech Harmony Hub or Broadlink RM Mini will also do the trick. I’m controlling a Rowenta fan with an IR remote with a Harmony Hub.

My main issue with IR is that you can’t touch the manual controls, or else things will go out of sync.

SpaceGlider · June 2, 2020, 7:40pm

That is definitely true for the cheaper versions. Some IR protocols however have a “respond” channel, usually those where the remotes have displays.

MossieNZ · June 3, 2020, 7:52am

I have a Daikin system. We have a single, 9kw outdoor unit driving 2 indoor units. Works really well with Openhab.

My only complaint with my system is that both indoor units have to be in the same mode to operate at the same time. Generally this isn’t an issue - really only when I want to dehumify one room and heat/cool another.

NilsOF · June 3, 2020, 12:03pm

I have a Mitsubishi Kaiteki (controlled over a Adafruit Huzza esp8266 board) I am very happy with. Not a single glitch so far (10 months).

You get bidirectional control over MQTT and can use whatever external room temperature sensor you have on openhab.
The huzza has a onboard 5 to 3.3 volt regulator, so no extra components needed.

vespaman · June 4, 2020, 4:30pm

I have both the Gree (portable AC) and a Mitsubishi with Mini D1 (ESP8266) over MQTT. The Mitsu has been running for 2-3 years without any issues at all. Both works fine, but Gree needs to phone home, which I don’t like (and its app for setting up is horrible).
Also the Mini D1 has built in regulator, so only a cable needed.

Before, I used a Z-Wave IR adapter to control, but that is not at all in the same league. Nothing that I’d consider today.

michnovka · June 13, 2020, 10:35pm

Thanks for all the replies. I am not looking for an IR controlled solution, I would very much prefer an AC controllable over API (and no cloud! just LAN API).

I am thinking about Daikin, seems to have all Im looking for.

JimT · June 14, 2020, 12:50am

michnovka, where are you located? Are you looking for a ducted / central ac, or a split type ac? If central ducted with zones, make sure you can get the Daikin airbase controller, because that’s needed to control individual zones.

michnovka · June 14, 2020, 7:56am

I am in Czechia, but I can get any EU model. The problem is I have split 5 units Sinclair at the moment and I will need to most likely replace all of them. Lately I am exploring IR option too, given the costs, but its just so 1980s…

carlo13 · May 3, 2023, 10:25am

This thread is some years old. Are there in meantime any new advices for how to choose a most openhab compatible air conditioner? I see bindings from Daikin, Mistubishi Electric, Gree? … and some artifacts for LG. But not clear if they are still developed and compatible with recent models?!

hmerk · May 3, 2023, 11:44am

Please check this newer topic :