Many mini-split brands include a remote with their systems, and you’ll often get one remote per indoor unit. Modern mini-split remotes have become quite sophisticated and often have displays, programmable buttons, and other advanced features. The sheer number of controls can initially seem overwhelming, but we’ll help you master them shortly.
Power and Standby
Most mini-split remotes have a power button. The icon on it usually looks like a broken circle with a line through the gap. Pressing this button toggles the indoor unit between On and Standby modes. Often, you can hold the button for several seconds to switch the system off. This feature is useful when going on vacation or shutting the system down due to a change of seasons.
Temperature Select
The temperature setting display is usually the most prominent feature of a mini-split remote. It will often have large up and down arrow buttons near it. These buttons let you raise and lower your desired temperature. Many remote displays will also show the current indoor temperature and, if your system has an outdoor sensor, the ambient temperature.
Wi-Fi
Many houses with a mini-split system have two or more indoor units. Wi-Fi capability lets a remote control communicate with these units without a direct line of sight. Often, when you toggle Wi-Fi on, it lets the remote communicate with all the indoor units in a home. Your remote may also have buttons that let you cycle through the indoor units to control them individually. You can often name the units, and you’ll see those names indicated on the display.
Light Bulb or LED
Most modern mini-split remotes have a digital display. Pressing the light bulb button or a button that reads LED will turn a backlight on. This allows you to read the digital display in a dark room.
Clock
Mini-split remotes often show the time and date via the display. This button lets you switch the remote to adjustment mode. In this mode, you can set the time and date to the current values. Note that internet-enabled systems may update these values on their own.
Mode Select
Mini-splits typically support multiple operating modes. These include functions like Cool, Heat, Fan, Dry, and Auto. Some remotes will have dedicated buttons for each mode. Often, a remote will have a mode button that lets you cycle through the modes. Cooling-only systems will have just Cool, Dry, and Fan modes. Fan mode runs the blower without cooling. Dry mode provides cooling but runs the blower at a lower speed to increase dehumidification. Heat pumps will have those buttons plus Heat and Auto. Auto lets the mini-split provide heating or cooling based on what’s needed to achieve the temperature setting.
Fan Speed Adjust
Many systems let you control the blower speed. With mini-splits, each indoor unit has its own dedicated fan. In auto mode, the system will adjust the fan speed up and down automatically as needed. It will do so based on the ambient temperature and target temperature. You can also dictate low, medium, or high fan speed. This is useful when you have the fan on without cooling or heating. It can also be useful in Follow mode. This allows the mini-split to adjust the airflow direction to keep the air blowing on you, such as when you’re working out.
Airflow Direction Adjust
All mini-splits have vents through which they blow air. Often, you can manually adjust these vents up and down and side to side. Some systems have remotely adjustable vents. In that case, you’ll likely have buttons for that adjustment on the remote. Systems with automatic vent adjustment often have Off and Follow modes. Follow mode keeps the air blowing on you. Off automatically adjusts the airflow direction so that it doesn’t blow on you.
Eco Mode
If your mini-split has an Eco or Economy mode, this button will toggle it on and off. In Eco mode, the system will prioritize energy efficiency based on the time of day. It will do this by making minor adjustments to your temperature setting and fan speed. Many systems with this mode will allow you to calibrate it. In some cases, for instance, you can set your peak times for energy rates. The system can then emphasize efficiency during those windows.
Jet or Turbo Mode
Mini-splits often support a Turbo or Jet mode. In this mode, your mini-split will close the gap between the current and target temperatures as soon as possible. In other words, this mode prioritizes comfort over efficiency. Pressing the button again will toggle the mode off. That said, this feature will usually disable itself once the system has reached the desired temperature.
Sleep Mode
If your mini-split has a Sleep mode, it will have a button to activate it. It may also have additional buttons to adjust sleep settings, or you may have to do it through the display. Mini-splits with a Sleep mode will let you set an overnight temperature that overrides your standard setting. Many systems have an Awake setting as well. The system will gradually adjust the setting so that the room is the right temperature when you get up.
Timer Buttons
Modern mini-splits often support timers and have buttons that control them. You can activate a timer, for instance, to delay Sleep mode but ensure that you don’t forget it. You can also use a timer in the morning so that the system automatically shuts off after everyone has left for work.
Quiet Mode
Quiet mode is useful when watching TV, and this button will toggle it on and off. Often, this is the same as setting the fan to its lowest speed. Some systems will also reduce compressor output. These settings do inhibit the speed of cooling and heating. That isn’t much of an issue if you have the room precooled or preheated.
Clean Mode
Mini-splits with a Self-Clean or an Auto-Clean mode will have a button to toggle it on and off. Generally, the system will leave this mode on or off and only adjust it based on user interaction. Self-cleaning is a mode that helps to avoid microbial growth on the evaporator coil. That growth can cause unpleasant odors and add pollutants to the air. When the mode is on, the system will continue running the fan for a short period after cycling down. That additional airflow dries the coil.
Programmable Buttons
There’s only so much space on a handheld remote. That means that there are often mini-split features that don’t have dedicated buttons. You can use the display and its buttons to set them, but that can be cumbersome. This is where programmable buttons come in. They let you assign features so that you have dedicated buttons for settings you access often.
Expert Mini-Split Services in Frederick, MD
Since 2016, Markool Heating & Cooling has served homeowners and businesses throughout Frederick and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC technicians install and service heating and cooling technologies, including ductless mini-splits, zoned HVAC, boilers, and radiant heating. We specialize in air quality accessories, including dehumidifiers, humidifiers, energy recovery ventilators, air purifiers, and germicidal lights. Our technicians also clean ducts. Our plumbers clean drains, repair sewers, and install and service water heaters. We also perform remodels and provide property management services for our commercial clients.
Call today, or contact us online to schedule an appointment for AC maintenance or get answers to your questions.
