Spanish dynamic HVAC control specialist Airzone is entering the North American market with a smart controller for HVAC inverter systems.

Airzone’s Aidoo Pro acts as the bridge between proprietary HVAC inverters and mini-split manufacturers’ protocols and IoT device APIs, including for the Ecobee, Honeywell and Nest smart thermostats. Aidoo Pro lets HVAC professionals completely integrate HVAC inverter systems with smart thermostats, preserving all inverter features and providing efficiency, energy savings, connectivity and comfort.

The market for HVAC inverters is expected to nearly double from 2020 to 2025, from $17.6bn to $31.9bn. Simultaneously, the global smart thermostat market is expected to triple by 2028. These are two of the fastest-growing categories in the HVAC industry but deploying devices from these categories together currently negates the benefits of both: adding a smart thermostat to an inverter system prevents key inverter features from working, significantly reducing the energy efficiency of the unit.

Because HVAC inverter protocols and smart thermostat APIs are incompatible, HVAC inverter systems downgrade to single-speed operation when paired with a smart thermostat. The hallmark benefits of inverters – efficiency, energy savings and superior climate control performance – can be completely lost. The Aidoo Pro brings the HVAC and IoT worlds together, preserving inverter functionality while meeting consumer demands for smart control.

Aidoo Pro is a simple-to-install system add-on that sits between the HVAC and IoT control devices such as third-party smart thermostats, voice assistants and home automation. Airzone’s library of manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols enables full two-way communications between the Aidoo Pro, the HVAC and smart thermostats or other connected devices. Aidoo Pro receives smart thermostat data via API, interprets them and then sends the appropriate commands to the inverter unit via a manufacturer-certified protocol. The inverter continues to function at a variable rate, preserving the comfort and efficiency of the system.

Airzone has spent decades cultivating privileged working relationships with HVAC inverter and mini-split manufacturers. Aidoo Pro has manufacturer-certified HVAC protocols from brands such as Daikin, Fujitsu, Hitachi, LG, Mitsubishi and Panasonic. Airzone also has dedicated API cloud integrations with smart thermostats, including Nest, Ecobee and Honeywell. Additional integrations with other smart thermostats are on the roadmap for 2023 and beyond.

“No one else can do what we do,” said Antonio Mediato, CEO of Airzone. “Through dedicated collaboration and constant R&D, we’ve found a way to keep the original features and functionality of an HVAC inverter intact, even when deployed in conjunction with a smart thermostat. We are uniquely positioned to help HVAC professionals deliver systems that are superior in every way, from comfort and efficiency to user interface and control.”

Airzone manufactures dynamic HVAC control and zoning for residential and light commercial environments, and has over 25 years of experience in the HVAC zoning and control industry in Europe.