Help choosing the best air conditioner brand for full Home Assistant compatibility – Europe

Hardware
1

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to install 8 split-type air conditioning units in my home, and I’m looking for the best brand for full Home Assistant compatibility.

:jigsaw: My main requirements:

  • Local control (no cloud dependency like MELCloud or SmartThings)
  • Reliable integration with Home Assistant
  • Real-time state updates
  • Available in Europe (Portugal)
  • Ideally something that works out of the box or with a clear ESPHome setup

I was initially considering:

  • Mitsubishi Electric – I read it works with ESPHome via CN105, but I’m not 100% sure which models are fully compatible.
  • Samsung WindFree – I love the look and features, but I’ve read it’s cloud-only via SmartThings.

Since this is a big investment (8 units!), I want to make sure I’m choosing the most compatible and future-proof brand for Home Assistant integration.

:question: So my questions:

  • Which brand(s) would you recommend for this use case in Europe?
  • Any specific model numbers known to work locally with HA (ESPHome, LAN)?
  • Anything to avoid?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

2

Yes, most of them? :nauseated_face:

Essentially you could filter the climate integrations set to local (push) just to find out that ESPHome seems to be mandatory to achieve what you want (Reliable integration with Home Assistant, Real-time state updates)… :person_shrugging:

You actually will find plenty of further information searching the interwebs :globe_with_meridians:

3

Daikin and Midea are popular here.
I think you should first think other factors though.

Rebranded ones that are overpriced because they are sold under some locally “known” brand.

4

I would say with the latest model, they’re 100% compatible with cn105 port. You can check the manual for the AC model you’re planning to buy which should include the diagram (with cn105)

It’s mitsubishi heavy industries that you’d probably need to avoid since my own MHI is not supported (slightly different CNS port with an extra pin)

5

I have installed 3 units from Fujitsu and use a customized IR-remote control to integrate them into home assistant, but i would recommend to search for options with Fujitsu on this forum. There seem to different solutions.

6

The CNS port is a completely different protocol. Not surprising, since it’s a different company.

Mitsubishi Electric has a home assistant integration, but it still requires cloud and it is not very reliable.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries supports local control with their WF-RAC, but the things you can do are limited.

If you don’t want to fiddle and just want something working out of the box, go with these.
There is a separate model for both brands. It works over HTTP API and MQTT and has support for Home Assistant auto discovery. The external sensor support is a really nice feature as well.

Made in Europe. They ship worldwide.

7

The 5 pin CNS port for MHI is supported here

But the 6 pin CNS is not compatible, so I had to stick with ir blasters for this one

8

here is a list of many AC that can work with home assistant using a esp home device

9

Ah, noted.
If topic starter decides to go Mitsubishi Heavy Industries it is best to check beforehand if it supports WF-RAC, type number ends with an F (SRK35ZS-WF for example) or if an SC-BIKN with RC-EX3 can be used with it. In that case there is a 5 pin CNS port.

10

Sounds like something the OP didn’t want or does some IR based system (no aknowledge of commands) supports real time stats (or stats at all)? Also a setup like this (IR) usually need some optimistic logic which comes down that HA has actually to guess states. Might be acceptable for a retro fit if the AC was already present but certainly doesn’t sound like the go to if you want to have full local (push) control :raised_hands:

11

I have gave the advice to look for forum entries for the brand, as my solution is certainly not the optimum, but i know that these devices can be equipped with wifi modules.