Call Us TodayWhat Are The Controls On My Mini Split Remote?
Modern mini-split remotes have become quite sophisticated. They typically have digital displays, provide Wi-Fi access and offer you a wide array of features. All those useful features often result in a cascade of controls that can be a bit overwhelming at first. In order to demystify these options, let’s explore the most essential of those mini-split remote controls.
Power
Most mini-splits have a power button similar to a TV remote. The button has a broken circle with a ‘1’ through the center. Many users believe this indicates that the button toggles between on and off. It actually indicates toggling between on and standby. Some mini-split remotes allow you to hold the power button for several seconds to put the mini-split in a true off mode.
Mode
The mode select button allows you to cycle between your mini-split’s operating modes. The most common modes available are auto, cool, heat, dry and fan. Auto is generally the default mode when your unit wakes from standby. It lets the mini-split switch between cool and heat depending on the current ambient temperature and your temperature setting. Cool provides air conditioning. Heat provides heating and is only available if you have a heat pump and not just an air conditioner. Dry puts the mini-split in a dehumidification mode to lower humidity without running the cool air. Fan enables the air handler without either cooling or heating for increased ventilation in the room.
Temperature
Temperature select is usually the largest button on the remote. It will have an up arrow at the top of the button and a down arrow at the bottom. Pressing up or down lets you dictate the temperature in the room. On the LCD display, you should be able to view both the ambient temperature and setting.
Fan Speed
The button for fan speed lets you dictate the speed of the blower. The common options are auto, low, medium and high. In auto mode, the unit will select the ideal fan speed. It does this based on the difference between the temperature setting and the actual room temperature. Dictating fan speed is particularly useful when running the system in ventilation or follow mode.
Air Direction
Most modern mini-splits allow you some control over the direction of the blown air. Your remote will have one or more buttons for this purpose. Typical remotes will have arrow buttons that move the air louvers left and right. Many also have arrow buttons that move the louvers up and down.
If your mini-split has one or more air direction sensors, you’ll have buttons for this as well. You may have a follow button, which is useful for keeping the air on you while you work out. These systems usually also have a button that automatically moves the louvers to avoid blowing air directly on you.
Humidity Control
Some mini-splits provide greater humidity control than just a dry mode. These systems will have a humidistat and additional equipment that lets them function as a dehumidifier and perhaps humidifier. If your system has these features, the remote will have a button for relative humidity. The relative humidity (RH) button will be similar to the temperature button but generally a bit smaller and offset to the side. Press the down arrow to lower the RH setting and the up arrow to increase it.
Economy Mode
Many mini-splits have a button that lets you put the system in a more energy-efficient operating mode. In this mode, the system emphasizes energy efficiency over comfort. One way a system does this is by closing the gap between the current and desired temperature setting more gradually rather than fast.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode goes hand in hand with economy mode. When you put the system into sleep mode, it will lower or raise the temperature 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit an hour. It will continue doing this until the system reaches your desired overnight setting. Some systems also have a corresponding awake mode. The unit will begin adjusting the temperature in advance so it’s at the right setting when you wake up.
Turbo
If your mini-split supports a turbo or jet mode, it will have a button on the remote to activate it. This is the opposite of an economy mode. It tells the system to close the gap between the current and desired temperature setting as fast as possible.
Timer
Your mini-split may have one or more timer buttons. You can use these to set a timer, enable it or disable it. This is useful if you want to ensure, for instance, that the mini-split turns off after you’ve left for work. Some systems also allow you to set timers for features other than just the standby function.
Quiet
If your mini-split supports a quiet or silence mode, it will have a dedicated button to enable or disable it quickly. In this mode, the system will emphasize minimizing decibels above all else. This is useful for home theater rooms and for light sleepers who don’t want the system to disturb them.
Auto Clean
Many mini-splits have an auto-clean or self-clean mode and a remote button to activate it. Typically, pressing this button instructs the mini-split to run self-cleaning mode and then go into standby. In self-clean mode, the unit uses a small amount of energy to run the air over the evaporator and dry it. Doing this helps to ensure that there’s no biological growth on the evaporator as it sits unused.
LED
If your remote has an LCD display, it will likely have a button labeled LED or with a light bulb icon. Pressing this button will activate the backlight so that you can read the display in a darker room.
Wi-Fi
Many modern mini-splits are smart devices, which means that they can connect to your home network. In normal communication mode, they send instructions to the local mini-split head. If you put the remote in Wi-Fi mode, it will send those instructions throughout the network. This is useful for setting a temperature throughout a home.
Remotes with displays often have more sophisticated Wi-Fi features, such as being able to control each head individually via the network. This button may also provide you access to programming, such as daily settings, profiles, hold and vacation modes and so forth.
Programmable Buttons
As with a TV remote, your mini-split remote may have programmable buttons. These buttons can provide you easier access to features that are otherwise buried in the software. Typically, there will be corresponding function, set and cancel buttons that allow you to program them.
Your Local Mini-Split Pros in O’Fallon
If you need assistance with your mini-split remote in O’Fallon or the surrounding areas, Hoff Heating & AC is here for you. Our HVAC technicians install, maintain and repair all makes and models of ductless heat pumps and air conditioners. We specialize in central air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces, too. Our indoor air quality experts also install air purifiers, germicidal lamps, dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or with any questions about these services.
