Help with AC control

Third party integrations
1

Hi - I have 5 Mitsubishi mini-split ACs that I control with Cielo Breez Eco units. I’d like to control those units from HA and there’s no integration for Cielo in HA at the moment. My first preference is keeping Cielo coz I’m too invested, but I don’t mind switching out if needed. Cielo integrates well with Alexa and allows me to use both the app and the original remote. While I can use the media-player/routine hack to control that from HA, it’s only practical for turning on and off, rather than proper control (mode, vents, etc.).

I searched for alternative solutions online and found SmartIR. I bought a BroadLink RM4 Mini and was able to integrate it successfully. Later I realized that I can’t use the original remote anymore because now I know that BroadLink is an IR blaster that can’t receive signals unless in learning mode.

The other alternative seems to be ESPHome, but I couldn’t find my way around the documentation and most of the online blogs include soldering and a lot of hardware work that’s way above my head.

Questions:

  1. Confirming requirements: If I go the ESPHome route, would that allow me to both send and receive IR signals, and use both HA and the original remote?
  2. If yes, is there an off-the-shelf solution that I can buy that doesn’t require any soldering or messing with chips?
  3. If not, do I have other options?

Thanks!

2

  1. Yes

  2. Not aware of one, but the soldering is 4 wires and pretty easy.

  3. sensibo detects ir remote, but is erratic if you don’t yet positioning right.