How can I automate the use of mini-splits, central heat pump, and furnace as Aux heat using Cielo Linked?

Aux heat kicks in when the outside temperature falls below a certain range, and your heat pump cannot efficiently maintain your desired home temperature. Since aux heat consumes significantly more energy, you must run it only when necessary. 

Consider you have a Cielo Smart Thermostat connected to your central HVAC, your Aux heating system (furnace/boiler), and a Cielo Breez Max/ Breez Plus connected to your mini-split. You can follow the steps below to ensure a comfortable and energy-efficient home. 

Note: You can either use Cielo Breez Max or Cielo Breez Plus with your mini-split. 

Switch to Aux when the outside temperature falls below 5F 

When the outside temperature falls below 5F (or the value that you have set), your thermostat will switch to furnace heating.

Here’s how you can create this link: 

Step 1: Open the Cielo Home app. Tap on ‘Menu’ on the home screen and then tap on ‘Cielo Linked’.

Step 2: Tap the '+' icon and then 'Select a source'.

Step 3: Select ‘Outdoor temperature’ and tap ‘Next’. Select ‘Falls below’ and set the temperature to ‘5F’. Tap ‘Next’.

Step 4: Tap on ‘Select the device’. Select Home Smart Thermostat, tap ‘Next’. 

Step 5: Tap on Change mode’.

Step 6: Change ‘Mode’ to ‘Aux’. Tap on ‘Create Link’. 

Switch to central heat pump when the outside temperature goes above 5F

Step 1: Open the Cielo Home app. On the home screen, tap ‘Menu’, then tap ‘Explore.’

Step 2: Tap the ‘+’ icon. Tap on ‘Select a Source’. 

Step 3: Select ‘Outdoor temperature’. Tap on ‘Next’. 

Step 4: Select ‘Goes above’ and set the temperature to ‘5F’. Tap ‘Next’.

Step 5: Tap on ‘Select the device’. Select Home Thermostat and tap on ‘Next’.

Step 6: Tap on ‘Change mode’. Tap ‘Heat’ and then ‘Next’. 

Step 7: Tap on ‘Create Link’. 

Turn on the mini-split and turn off the central heat pump when the outside temperature goes above 20F

You can create another link that automatically turns on the mini-split heat pump and switches off the central heat pump when the outdoor weather returns to suitable conditions. 

Step 1: Open the Cielo Home app. On the home screen, tap ‘Menu’, then tap ‘Explore.’ 

Step 2: Tap the ‘+’ icon. 

Step 3: Tap on ‘Select source’. Select ‘Outdoor temperature’. Tap on ‘Next’. 

Step 4: Set it to ‘Goes above 20F’. Tap ‘Next’.

Step 5: Tap on ‘Select the device’. Select Cielo Breez Max Living Room, tap ‘Next’.

Step 6: Tap on 'Change Settings'.

Step 7 Set ‘AC State’ to ‘On’. Make relevant changes to mode, temperature, and fan speed. Tap ‘Next’.

Step 8: Tap on ‘+’ icon. Select Home Thermostat, and tap ‘Next’.

Step 9: Tap on ‘Change Preset’. Select ‘Away’ preset. Tap Next.

Step 10: Tap on ‘Create Link’.