HVAC solutions provider Airzone Control is launching a new integration between the Airzone Aidoo Pro and the full portfolio of Google Nest thermostats, enabling bi-directional communication between the inverter/VRF and popular mini split HVAC units that follow integrations with Crestron and Lutron home systems.
According to the Miami, Fla.-based firm, the integration serves a fast-growing market in HVAC control, as the inverter/VRF solutions market is predicted to grow 12.7% between 2021 and 2025 and the smart thermostat market is expected to triple by 2027.
Airzone says the Google Nest integration solves a key issue, as those two technologies were developed in isolated environments and systems don’t communicate complex instructions effectively due to inadequate two-way communication, making inverter/VRF and mini split solutions deployed with a smart thermostat incompatible.
According to Airzone, smart thermostats and HVAC units speak different languages. Inverter/VRF and mini split HVAC systems are typically adjusted with their own communication protocol, and the output for smart thermostats are dry contact closures, creating a communication gap between the two systems.
Essentially, the smart thermostat is unable to provide information about how hard the system should be working or the deviation from the desired set point temperature, and the system isn’t able to modulate output to match the temperature needs of an environment. The air handling unit becomes forced to operate at maximum capacity, creating inefficiency and discomfort.
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Airzone says the Aidoo Pro, a system add-on that sits between the HVAC system and Google Nest thermostat, acts as a conduit between the HVAC system and IoT to preserve inverter/VRF features while meeting user demand for smart control.
The company’s library of manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols enables full bi-directional communication between the Aidoo Pro, the HVAC system, and the Google Nest Thermostat, Airzone says. The Aidoo Pro receives smart thermostat data, interprets it, and sends the commands to the inverter/VRF or mini split unit via system-specific, manufacturer-certified protocols. The inverter/VRF solution continues to function at a variable rate, preserving efficiency and comfort.
“Our integration with the Google Nest smart thermostats through Aidoo Pro represents an unprecedented leap forward for our industry,” says Antonio Mediato, founder and CEO of Airzone. “This brings together two of the industry’s fastest growing sectors in a way that was previously thought impossible. With Nest as our valued partner, together we are setting a new standard for the industry and redefining what is possible in the world of HVAC and IoT.”
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