As heatwaves sweep across Europe, innovative cooling solutions are in high demand. One standout product is the Midea PortaSplit air conditioning unit, which has reportedly sold over 300,000 units across the continent.
Midea PortaSplit: Current Availability and Production
At present, the Midea PortaSplit is sold out in many regions, but restocking efforts are underway. The Chinese manufacturer is said to be producing up to 6,000 new units daily, as reported by Imtest. However, this surge in popularity has revived some longstanding concerns among users.
Cloud Dependency and Future Concerns
Since May 2025, warnings have surfaced regarding Midea’s gradual shutdown of Cloud APIs. This affects various token interfaces related to their Meiju and Smarthome cloud services. The last resort for customers is Nethome Plus, according to Techboys.de. This transition poses challenges during the setup phase, especially for those integrating with Home Assistant.
The Solution: Open-Source Tool “midea-ieco”
Fortunately, developer Frank Seidel has introduced an open-source tool called “midea-ieco” to circumvent these issues. This tool allows users to configure their air conditioning units without relying on Home Assistant, eliminating the need for tokens and cloud access. Users can maintain complete control over their system locally within their home networks.
Midea PortaSplit: Saving Power with Open-Source
The “midea-ieco” tool introduces additional functionalities, including management of a hidden power-saving mode. Users typically have access to an Eco mode via the device’s interface, which maintains a constant temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. However, adjustments can often feel limited.
Unlocking the iEco Mode
Yet, there is a secondary power-saving mode known as iEco that can only be accessed through the app. This mode allows users to set their desired temperature, enabling adaptive compressor adjustments to conserve energy. As highlighted by Caschy’s Blog, the potential for energy savings is significant.
Testing and Results
Midea claims that users can achieve energy savings of up to 60 percent. In a practical test conducted by developer Seidel, an impressive 100 watts less were consumed over a ten-hour period. However, a concern persists: the iEco mode automatically deactivates after eight hours and remains off even after the unit is powered down, leaving users unaware of this change.
Keeping iEco Mode Active
Seidel’s open-source solution ensures that the iEco mode remains active indefinitely. The tool can operate as a local service or cron job on various platforms like Raspberry Pi, Synology, or Ugreen NAS, Server, or Mac. Additionally, it supports control via Siri shortcuts on iPhones, offering seamless integration into daily life.
In summary, the Midea PortaSplit air conditioning unit is a popular choice for effective cooling solutions in extreme temperatures. With tools like “midea-ieco,” users can maximize energy efficiency while maintaining greater control over their home environments. The future of smart home technology may rely heavily on balancing convenience with sustainability—an evolving landscape well worth observing.
