How to Make Your Mini-Split Smart with a Thermostat?

Tori Klein • May 12, 2023

Are you tired of manually adjusting your mini-split air conditioner every time you enter or leave a room? Learn how to make your mini-split smart with a thermostat and enjoy hassle-free temperature control!


woman lying in the couch turning on the mini split AC unit

Smart thermostats are revolutionizing temperature management with just a few touches on your phone by offering unmatched ease and energy savings. They are compatible with central heating and cooling systems and vary from inexpensive devices with simple temperature settings to more advanced Eco bee, Nest, or Cielo Smart Thermostat models.


But what if you want to regulate your mini-split units at home remotely? Can you use Eco Bee or Nest thermostats to give them innovative features? Or are there any other smart gadgets designed explicitly for managing these ductless systems?



Does Eco Bee or Nest Thermostat Work with Mini-Splits?

While Eco Bee and Nest smart thermostats mainly function with central HVAC systems, you may also use a thermostat converter to make them work with mini-splits. It's a gadget that links a mini-split with an smart thermostat. Your particular mini-split brand should be compatible with the converter.


This is a simple way to upgrade the intelligence of your room air conditioner, but it's not. It is a drawn-out, complicated process that often calls for expert help. DIYing the whole process might be intimidating.


It would help if you plugged the adapter into your air conditioner and the thermostat to couple your mini-split with Eco Bee or Nest. Ensure that the thermostat wires are attached to the adapter correctly and are set up. Incorrect installation might result in unpredictable behavior from the mini-split.



Mini-Split Thermostats – A Better Solution

So, don't give up yet! With a few simple steps, you can still make your mini-split smart superior do-it-yourself fix. A mini-split thermostat, or an smart AC controller, may be paired with your device.


The entire management of your heating and cooling is made possible by smart AC controllers like Cielo Breeze, which are specially made for ductless air conditioners (such as mini-split, window, and portable units).

They provide almost all of the smart capabilities that Eco Bee or Nest has without sacrificing the functionality of your device. You can conveniently manage your AC with your phone from anywhere globally using smart AC controls.


You also receive many next-generation features, like scheduling, geofencing, Comfy Mode, range management, etc. Additionally, you may trace settings via a chronology of events and optimize your energy use with specific insights from your consumption history, which will help you pay less for power.


You don't need a Nest or Eco bee to enjoy innovative air conditioning; you only need a mini-split thermostat!



Pairing Your Mini-Split with Cielo Breeze Smart AC Controller

An smart AC controller is simple to install on your own. Plug it in near your mini-split, then carry out these easy steps:

  1. Your Cielo Breeze smart AC controller should now be on.
  2. Then, on your phone, download the Cielo Home, a Google Play or App Store app.
  3. Create a brand-new user profile.
  4. Sync the app with your Cielo Breeze device.
  5. Next, give the device a name (office, bedroom, etc.) and link it to your household WIFI.
  6. Aim your AC remote at your smart AC controller to begin the remote setup procedure. This aids in matching the smart controller's database with the IR instructions from your remote. To verify a successful pairing, send the test command.
  7. After the pairing procedure, the app's home screen will be shown, where you may make settings.


You can use all the smart features immediately after less than five minutes of work.



Issues With Using Eco bee/Nest Thermostat With Mini-Splits

The following problems arise if you connect your mini-split air conditioner to an smart thermostat like Eco Bee or Nest.


1. Loss of Key Features

You will also lose several features when integrating your room air conditioner with a smart thermostat, like the ability to regulate fan speed and swing direction. Additionally, in hot and humid conditions, you won't be able to use the fan-only or dry mode on your ductless air conditioner. These functions may impact your home's climate, a crucial component of your mini-split.


On the other hand, smart AC controllers have no functional loss since they were designed to operate with room air conditioners. Instead, you get extra functions to improve your home temperature management and your level of comfort and convenience.


2. Complicated Installation Process

Connecting a mini-split with an Eco Bee or Nest thermostat might be difficult. Figuring this out could leave your head spinning if you need to gain experience with professional wiring. Most likely, you'll need to contact a specialist for help.


On the contrary, setting up an smart AC controller couldn't be simpler! You need to plug in your gadget and connect it to the WIFI to be ready.


3. High Cost

The cost variations should be considered while making your mini-split smart. Thermostats from Eco Bee and Nest are more expensive than smart AC controllers. In addition to a pricey thermostat, you will need a different adaptor, not to mention the installation expense, since not everyone can do it themselves.


There is no need to acquire an additional device, and smart AC controllers are less expensive than smart thermostats. Additionally, you will spend less on installation.



The Takeaway

Mini-splits are a reliable solution for heating and cooling your house. You may raise the bar for efficiency with the aid of clever functionality. Because they are not designed for room air conditioners like mini-splits, smart thermostats like Eco bee/Nest are not a suitable option. Yes, you could attempt to couple them together, but doing so is challenging and might result in losing the necessary functionality. Mini-split thermostats or smart AC controllers are preferable options. With these controllers, you may operate your room units remotely while still getting the best possible performance, providing you with the utmost convenience.


Ready to take control of your mini-split air conditioner and enjoy customized comfort? Call now to learn how to make your mini-split smart with a thermostat!


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