How to Avoid BACnet in VRF HVAC Integration With Home Automation
Today’s Default Approach
So, you’re considering a new integration project, laying out all the workable solutions to ensure that when the time comes, it will be as easy as pie.Last week, you finished a central light control integration with Savant for an owner of a brand-new villa, installed a projection system with Crestron, and integrated a Control 4 solution into the meeting room of a fancy new high-tech office.
But this project is different. This is an HVAC VRF integration that takes you slightly out of your comfort zone. But hey: You relish new challenges!
Except that this time, it’s not that simple.
Let’s say you get the HVAC installer to understand what you need, and he manages to find a device provided by the HVAC VRF manufacturer. His solution, by default, will involve a BACnet-based controller. Now we’re entering unfamiliar territory in terms of time and investment since BACnet is not that common in the home automation world.
You are going to have to look for a home automation solution that will connect to the HVAC side. The problem is that you have no idea how much time it will take to install, pair, and connect the systems. Naturally, you tell yourself that if you get lost or caught in a bind, you can always rely on support from the HVAC installer.
Well, not always.
The installer won’t be much help since his professional domain is HVAC installation, not controls. The manufacturer support team? ‘…Your call is very important to us. Please hold…”
You are probably not even sure how to avoid the frustration you experienced last time. After all, technology changes so fast that it’s impossible to keep track of it all, especially in such a complex industry as HVAC.
So, What’s the Alternative?
What if we told you that there is an HVAC universal gateway that natively integrates with both VRF HVAC and home automation systems and also eliminates the unnecessary conversion to 3rd party platforms such as BACnet?
CoolMaster allows you to integrate all VRF systems by Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, LG, Hitachi (JCI), Trane, Fujitsu, Carrier (Toshiba), Samsung, and many others. One simple, smart device for a pain-free integration with all VRF systems. CoolMaster is your secret weapon in mastering your time when integrating complex HVAC setups.
And We’re Not the Only Ones to Think So :-)
Home automation manufacturers have voted for our solution, too: Every major home automation manufacturer has developed a dedicated driver for our solutions, helping us deliver on our promises.CoolMaster can be simply plugged in via Ethernet to the dedicated home automation system. The driver is then easily uploaded (in some cases automatically).
So, What’s in It for You?
In startling contrast to your other options, CoolMaster's benefits are clear:Easy Installation
- Simplicity - auto detect on the HVAC side, with a built-in driver on the home automation side
- Plug & play - easily install the device yourself (HVAC components are auto-detected) and get all the control you need
- Built-in drivers make the configuration of home automation control easy
High Performance
- Ongoing real-time communication with instant data retrieval from the HVAC system
- Energy management analysis based on the HVAC system’s power consumption data
Reliable Service
- Remote system diagnosis: anytime, from anywhere!
- One point of contact for support and service
Consistency
- Robust and dependable solution with a single fail point
- Native communication protocol for both sides (HVAC and home automation)
- Fewer protocol conversions
Lower Cost
- Significantly reduced cost of ownership (CMNET costs less than BACnet gateways (bought separately for the HVAC and home automation sides)
- Considerably shortened integration time - resulting in lower project costs
- Reduced service and support costs (due to remote connection capabilities)