Support for ECO Mode on Panasonic CS-Z25ZKEW

[EwaldEd]

Hi DomiStyle 👋

First of all, thank you so much for your amazing work on the esphome-panasonic-ac integration! I’ve successfully connected my Panasonic CS-Z25ZKEW locally to Home Assistant via ESPHome – completely without Comfort Cloud. Everything works beautifully, including power consumption monitoring and environmental data via an external DHT22 sensor.

There’s just one small thing I’m missing: the ECO mode. I’ve enabled the eco_switch in my YAML config, but unfortunately it turns off immediately after being activated. In the Comfort Cloud app, ECO isn’t a standalone switch – it’s more of a preset that combines specific settings.
My guess is that the CS-Z25ZKEW doesn’t support ECO as a toggle, but only as a preset. Is there any chance this could be supported in the integration – maybe as a preset or via an alternative method?

If it’s technically feasible, I’d be incredibly grateful – and a virtual cup of coffee ☕ is definitely coming your way!

Best regards from Bavaria,
EwaldEd

[willie013]

Hi, I can't help with the original problem, but I was wondering what you are using the DHT22 for connected to the esp?

Are you using it as a replacement for the built in temperature sensor of the panasonic unit? Or is it just for logging?

[EwaldEd]

Yes, the DHT22 was intended to report the room temperature and humidity to my Home Assistant because the internal sensor unfortunately doesn't provide reliable readings. However, it doesn't work at the location I chose, even with a DHT22. I'm hoping to find a better spot for this sensor (about 2 meters away from the indoor unit).

[willie013]

Thank for your reply! To make it clear, the sensor does not replace the built in sensor in the panasonic unit right? I've been trying to change this internal sensor to an external sensor, since it is so unreliable

[EwaldEd]

Correct! Nothing is changed on the air conditioner. ESPhome runs in parallel with the integrated Wi-Fi module, and if the DHT22 is placed at a sufficient distance from the indoor unit, it will deliver reliable readings.