Hi everyone, I wanted to share my recent success in integrating an older Actron Air HVAC system with Home Assistant. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I hope my experience can inspire others facing similar challenges!
The Challenge
I recently acquired an Actron Air SRD151C with the older LM7-2W controller. While modern systems offer built-in smart features, my unit was far from ‘smart.’ However, I was determined to leverage Home Assistant for enhanced control and automation.
The Setup
My setup involved several key components:
- Hardware: I installed Zigbee temperature sensors in each zone to provide real-time data.
- Thermostats: I configured 14
generic_thermostatentities, split evenly between heating and cooling modes. - Zone Control: Each room now has an ‘Off’ option, allowing the system to ignore that zone when unoccupied.
- Master Control: A virtual toggle acts as a master switch, pausing automation when needed.
- Automation: An orchestration system monitors demand from each zone, and a seasonal helper automates switching between heating and cooling modes.
How It Works
When a room calls for cooling, the system opens the zone damper, waits a crucial 2 seconds for the damper to move, then activates the main AC compressor. This sequence ensures smooth operation and efficient cooling.
User Experience
I designed the dashboard with conditional cards to switch between cooling and heating modes, ensuring a seamless user experience. My wife, who isn’t tech-savvy, approves of how intuitive the system is, allowing her to set temperatures effortlessly while the system handles the rest.
Lessons Learned
This project taught me the power of Home Assistant in repurposing older systems. It required patience, especially troubleshooting the damper delays, but the result is a system that feels modern and efficient.
Next Steps
I’m currently exploring wall-mounted tablet options for easier access and considering expanding this setup to other zones. I’m also looking into more advanced automation features.
Call to Action
If anyone has similar older systems or has successfully integrated legacy HVAC, I’d love to hear your experiences or tips! Let’s continue to push the boundaries of smart home integration.
Happy tinkering everyone! 