Aidoo Pro now enables any heat pump, mini split, or VRF unit to integrate with the world’s leading demand response (DR) standard.

 SACRAMENTO, CA – July 31, 2025 – Airzone Control has secured OpenADR certification for Aidoo Pro, advancing demand response capabilities for the North American HVAC industry. OpenADR is a leading international demand response (DR) standard that allows automated energy consumption coordination between utilities and customers. This standard allows smart grids to adjust energy usage during times of peak demand, preventing outages and reducing consumer costs. Using Aidoo Pro, any Inverter HVAC unit, including Inverter heat pumps, VRFs, and mini-split units, can now integrate with OpenADR demand response programs.

Aidoo Pro Enables OpenADR on Any Inverter AHU

The Airzone Aidoo Pro allows Inverter HVAC units from any major manufacturer to automatically act on demand response signals from the electrical grid. Demand response has become increasingly important for HVAC integration: thanks to electrification, HVAC can now account for over half of electricity demand in the summer, and up to seventy percent at peak times.

Utilities use DR programs to even out demand and prevent dangerous outages. During DR events, the grid sends signals to connected systems –including complaint HVAC systems – to throttle their energy usage. Many of the largest energy markets in the United States, including California, Texas, New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast have introduced incentives and/or requirements for HVAC integration with DR. Across all regions, OpenADR has emerged as the leading DR interoperability standard. Aidoo Pro is now certified to act as a universal translator between proprietary Inverter HVAC manufacturer protocols and OpenADR, appropriately adjusting setpoint and fan speed in response to DR events.

“Aidoo Pro was the natural choice for our first OpenADR-certified product,” says Antonio Mediato, CEO of Airzone. “HVAC professionals need a solution that can make heat pumps, mini splits, and VRF units in both new builds and retrofits compliant with new laws and incentives. Aidoo Pro is the only product that can offer that flexibility while preserving full Inverter functionality.”

Demand Response Meets Automated Comfort

In many regions, including California in the United States, HVAC demand response is mandatory for new builds and major retrofits. Often, however, participation is voluntary. Automated control is critical to the success of these incentive-based programs.

“HVAC is one of the most energy-intensive systems in both residential and commercial buildings. Integrating these systems with OpenADR is key to demand response program success,” says Rolf Bienert, Technical and Managing Director, OpenADR Alliance. “It is good to see more innovative products like Aidoo Pro to make it easier to connect electrified HVAC systems like heat pumps, making a big impact on both grid stability and consumer power bills.”

Getting connected is only the first step: Aidoo Pro also makes consumers more like to remain enrolled in demand response programs. Users often prioritize comfort over DR compliance: if they feel uncomfortable, they will adjust the temperature setpoint manually or even drop out of the DR program. Aidoo Pro connects to smart thermostats, home automation, and building management systems (BMS) that support consistent DR program alignment while keeping the user experience top-of-mind. For example, a BMS or home automation platform can be programmed to pre-cool a space, ensuring it remains comfortable even if there is a DR event during the hottest part of the day. With a well-designed smart HVAC system, the only difference the occupants ever notice is a lower energy bill.

Aidoo Pro integrates with every leading Inverter (VRF / mini split) brand, as well as the industry’s widest range of smart thermostats, home automation platforms, and BMS solutions. To learn more, visit airzonecontrol.com or visit the Airzone Sales Network directory to find a local Airzone sales rep or distributor.