Wi-Fi control of heat pumps using Sensibo or similar products

genesis on 20/02/2024 - 15:00

We recently got 3 new heat pump units installed upstairs in our house in 3 separate bedrooms. They are Mitsubishi heavy industry units, with no wifi capability.

Just having a look at the Sensibo products, have I understood correctly that 1 Sensibo device placed in the middle of the 3 heat pumps, can control all 3 heat pumps via my phone? (assuming my heat pump model is compatible, and the Sensibo unit is within range of all 3 units).

There are also similar products on Aliexpress and Temu which are much much cheaper than the Sensibo units. Have people had much experience with these cheaper units?

Also, has anyone had the issue where the configuration shown on the remote is not necessarily the configuration of the heat pump? For instance I press the 'fan' button on the remote to cycle through the 1,2,3,4,5 level of fan settings, I cycle it from 3, down to 1 (1 being the lowest fan setting),but the aircon ends up going full blast. I think it might have something to do with the heat pump not registering some of the pushes of the button on the remote (the remote wasn't aimed at the heat pump direction properly)

General Discussion

Comments

  • Tmurder91 on 20/02/2024 - 15:13
    +1

    The Mitsubishi Heavy Industry units do sell an optional WiFi unit, so you might also want to look at those (not sure if you can only get it through authorized installer though)

  • ace310 on 20/02/2024 - 15:31

    You would need 1 sensibo per heat pump. It needs to be in line of sight, so can't operate 3 heat pumps unless they are all in same room.

    Wonder if you needed wifi, why you didn't opt for one. Mitsubishi has a good wifi unit. I have 3 heat pumps and am controlling via Home assistant without any issues.

    I also have 2 broadlink RM4 for my old Haier heat pumps and works fine. You need to configure it the first time to get all commands, but once done it's easy to use. One downside is, if you use the ac remote, you won't have the update in the app.

    Some discussions about same here
    https://www.cheapies.nz/node/41235
    https://www.cheapies.nz/node/38507

    • genesis on 20/02/2024 - 15:40

      Right I see, thanks for that.

      The 3 units were already quite expensive, and opting for wifi units was even more $, and I suppose we're a bit old fashioned and thought the physical remote would suffice, which it does. but was just looking into these devices and wasn't quite sure how they worked.

      • ace310 on 20/02/2024 - 15:47
        +1

        Probably get one of this and play around to see if that works. Get HTS2 cable with it as it has temperature & humidity sensor. Check aliexpress, temu or amazon for the cheap price.

        • genesis on 20/02/2024 - 15:50

          Yeah will give it a go, hopefully it'll be all good :D

          • ace310 on 20/02/2024 - 15:58
            +1

            @genesis: Bonus the RM4 can not only control just the heat pump but all devices in the room which has IR remote. I have one in living room which can talk to heat pump, tv and a humidifier.

      • Tmurder91 on 20/02/2024 - 16:01
        +1

        You may also find the remotes calendar functions would suit too?
        Many remotes let you configure 2 different off timers, and 2 different on timers that can vary depending on the day of the week.

        That can be handy if you want to have your heatpump automatically turn on at 4pm before you get home on a weekday etc

  • AssPav on 21/02/2024 - 18:46
    +2

    Using a cheap Tuya/Smart Life IR blaster: https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005001883877637.html?spm=a2g…
    Doesn't quite have all the functions of a full remote (missing vane control) but it's good enough for me.
    Built in temp sensor.
    Smart Life can automate anything it can control. For example, I have it to check the temp half an hour before I get home in the winter.
    If it's lower than 16 degrees, it turns on my heat pump at a certain heat setting.
    Then you can get other sensors to automate smartplugs etc.
    It's a pretty slippery slope!

    • genesis on 22/02/2024 - 09:31

      I see, okay cool, thanks for that!

  • desikiwi on 23/02/2024 - 07:51
    +1

    Any programmable ir blaster should be ok but imo get a machine with has integrated wifi or get the wifi device to connect the machine , they are better then using it blaster as it gives you app control and you can check indoor temperature+ outside temperature where the split unit is you can put it on sleep cycle ie you can customize temp for every hour of your sleep .

    You can set up many automations on it lik say I did with mine ie turn on 6 at auto 20 c then go on heatpump only at 20 and 21 c at 10 pm 1% fan speed then blast at heat at 5 am at high turn off at 8.15 am on weekdays different time on weekend ie 11 am etc

    It update you on filter cleaning. You can also put it inFreeze protection mode eco mode power etc I cando it before I go home .

    I got midea hot water heat pump for 2.5 k and acs for 650 NZD each for 2kw each room installed dedicated power with outside wall mount cash for 700 each

    You can control all on single app very comfortable and convenient

    • genesis on 23/02/2024 - 09:45

      Will look into it, thanks!

  • starker3 on 23/02/2024 - 11:23
    +1

    I'd recommend the Broadlink - I have the RM4 Mini and it works great.
    You can use the app as is and it works well, but I have mine connected to Home Assistant so I can control it automatically using automations.

  • Harebrainedkiwi on 23/02/2024 - 13:31
    +1

    For some (most?) Mitsi heat pumps you can make your own WiFi module for about $10. I have mine connected to Home Assistant and it works great

    https://github.com/gysmo38/mitsubishi2MQTT

    • desikiwi on 23/02/2024 - 16:17

      Nice

    • mdsl32 on 24/02/2024 - 11:30

      If you need these i have loads of spares that DID not work for my unit will sell for cost.
      Headers and boards are fully assembled

  • thesla on 25/02/2024 - 13:59

    I have 2x of the Mitsubishi Wifi module: https://www.mitsubishi-electric.co.nz/wifi/
    After moving house 2years ago, those are surplus to us (the house came with Fujitsu)
    Not sure if they are compatible with the Industrial brand … Let me know if you are interested by those 2 second-hand unit.

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