Recently I moved into a house that has a Diakin mini-split system (FTX12NMVJU / RX12NMVJU) in the bonus room. Mini-splits are known for being extremely energy efficient but unfortunately, I was not able to remotely control the unit on a schedule as I did with my Ecobee smart thermostats, so unless I remembered to manually turn the unit off at night, it would run for no reason. Definitely a first-world problem. I research options Diakin offered. From what I could find, the only option to turn the dumb unit into a smart unit was to by a Daikin Wireless Adapter that required taking the unit apart. Not to mention, the wireless unit cost around $165 so I started searching for other options.
Since the Diakin unit is controlled by an IR remote, I figured if I could find a smart IR blaster, the unit could be automated. A quick search on Amazon and I found the Famisafe WiFi Smart IR Infrared Remote. This smart IR blaster works with the Smart Life app, (which I already used with my smart switches). This IR blaster can also be used to control a variety of other devices such as TVs and other IR electronics.
It took around 5 minutes to get the IR remote connected to my wifi and added to the Smart Life app. The toughest issue was finding a location that the blaster had a clean line of sight to the mini-split. Once I found a good location, I used a command strip to attach the IR blaster to the wall. Finally, I set up a schedule to start the unit in the morning and turn it off at night.
There are a few other options that are more expensive but offer additional features. The Cielo Breez Plus has a display that shows the current temperature and looks similar to a smart thermostat. Another option is the Sensibo Sky which has a build-in temperature reading that you can see in the app.
Hopefully, this helps you to turn your dumb air conditioner unit into a smart unit! Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
I would like to automate my IR controllable AC as you have but would like to control it based on temperature in addition to time, etc. Have you found a way to do this?
For example, a python interface to the Famisafe would permit an RPi to do it.
I believe the Cielo Breez will do this https://amzn.to/2lgk4SZ
Too pricey.
Yes I agree. Get a remote temperature sensor and have it control the IR blaster
Why not just a raspberry pi and relay? Pi controls the relay, relay switches AC on and off. No need for fickly IR signals.
Using a raspberry pi is an option but this is cheaper and already setup to work with a/c units and iOS app.