How to Choose a Smart Air Conditioner or Convert a Regular One?

Tired of the sweltering summer heat? Dreaming of controlling your home's temperature from your smartphone? The good news is you can enjoy a cool and connected environment, even without spending a fortune on a brand new air conditioner. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step to choose the perfect smart air conditioner or, if you prefer, to turn your old air conditioner into a smart and connected one. Get ready to give your home a breath of fresh air!

What is a Smart Air Conditioner and Why Should You Get One?

A smart air conditioner is much more than just a device that cools the air. It connects to your Wi-Fi network and lets you control it remotely via an app on your smartphone, tablet, or even with voice commands through virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This gives you unprecedented control over your home's temperature, allowing you to optimize comfort and save energy.

Key Benefits of a Smart Air Conditioner:

Remote Control: Adjust the temperature, operating mode, and timer from anywhere. Forget about coming home to a hot oven.
Intelligent Programming Set custom schedules to have your air conditioner turn on and off automatically based on your routines.
Voice Assistant Integration: Use voice commands to control the AC without lifting a finger. "Alexa, turn on the air conditioner."
Energy Consumption Monitoring: Some models let you track energy usage, helping you identify opportunities to save money.
Alerts & Notifications: Get notifications on your smartphone if there's a problem with the air conditioner, such as a dirty filter or a refrigerant leak.

Choosing the Perfect Smart Air Conditioner: A Buyer's Guide

If you're thinking about buying a new smart air conditioner, there are several important factors to consider to make sure you choose the model that best suits your needs and budget.

Key Considerations When Buying a Smart Air Conditioner:

Room Size: The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of the air conditioner needs to match the size of the room you want to cool. An AC unit with too few BTUs won't cool properly, whereas one with too many BTUs might cycle too rapidly and be inefficient.
Type of Air Conditioning:
- From the Window: Perfect for small to medium rooms. They're more affordable and easier to install.
- Laptop Perfect if you need to cool different rooms or if you can't install a window air conditioner.
- Mini-split (ductless) They offer more efficient and quieter cooling than window units, but they are more expensive and require professional installation.
- Central: The most expensive option, but the most efficient for cooling the entire house. Requires existing ductwork or a new installation.
Energy Efficiency (SEER): Look for an air conditioner with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner will be, and the less electricity it will use.
Smart Features Make sure the air conditioner is compatible with the voice assistant you use (Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.) and offers the smart features you need (scheduling, energy monitoring, alerts, etc.).
Noise Some air conditioners are louder than others. If you're sensitive to noise, look for a model with a low decibel (dB) level.
Budget: The prices of smart air conditioners vary significantly depending on size, type, and features. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping.

Comparative Table of Smart Air Conditioner Types:

Type of Air Conditioning	Advantages	Disadvantages	Perfect for
From the window	Economical, easy to install	Less efficient, noisy	Small and medium rooms
Laptop	Easy to move, no installation required.	Less efficient, space-hog.	Spot cooling in different rooms.
Mini-split (ductless)	Efficient, quiet	More expensive, requires professional installation	Single rooms or specific areas
Midlands	Cool the whole house, efficiently.	More expensive, requires ductwork.	Whole-house cooling

Turn Your Regular Air Conditioner Into a Smart One: The Affordable Alternative

If you don't want to buy a new smart air conditioner, you can make your existing air conditioner smart by using a smart device like a universal air conditioner controller. This is a much more affordable option and lets you enjoy many of the benefits of a smart air conditioner without having to replace your current unit.

What is a Universal Air Conditioner Controller?

A universal air conditioner controller is a small device that connects to your Wi-Fi network and communicates with your air conditioner via infrared (IR), just like a remote control. It acts as a bridge between your smartphone and your air conditioner, allowing you to control it remotely through an app.

Steps to Make Your Air Conditioner Smart:

Choose a Compatible Universal Controller: Research and choose a universal air conditioner remote that works with your AC's brand and model. Check the device specs and other users' reviews.
Install the app. Download and install the universal controller app on your smartphone or tablet.
Connect the Controller to your Wi-Fi Network: Follow the app's instructions to connect the controller to your Wi-Fi network.
Pair the Controller with your Air Conditioner: The app will walk you through pairing the remote with your air conditioner. Usually, this means pointing the remote at the AC unit and selecting the brand and model in the app.
Set Up Features: Set up the features you want, such as scheduling, remote control, and integration with voice assistants.

Popular Brands of Universal Air Conditioner Remotes:

Sensibo
tado°: tado degree
Ambi Climate

Benefits of Using a Universal Controller:

Economic: Much cheaper than buying a new smart air conditioner.
Easy to Install: Doesn't require professional installation.
Works with Most Air Conditioners: Compatible with a wide range of brands and models.
Remote Control: Control your air conditioner from anywhere.
Intelligent Programming Set the air conditioner to turn on and off automatically.

Disadvantages of Using a Universal Controller:

Infrared Dependence: Requires a direct line of sight between the remote control and the air conditioner.
Limited Functions: Some features may not be compatible with all air conditioners.
Requires a stable Wi-Fi network: It needs a reliable Wi-Fi connection to work properly.

Recommendations and Best Practices for Using Smart Air Conditioners

To get the most out of your smart air conditioner, whether it's new or converted, follow these tips:

Clean the filters regularly. A dirty filter reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner and can cause health problems. Clean it at least once a month.
Seal Cracks and Openings: Seal any cracks or openings in windows and doors to prevent cold air from escaping.
Use Curtains or Blinds: Close the curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight.
Adjust the temperature accordingly: Don't lower the temperature too much. Maintain a comfortable and efficient temperature. A few degrees adjustment can make a difference in your energy bill.
Use Eco Mode: If your air conditioner has an eco mode, use it to save energy.
Smart Schedule Program: Set custom schedules so the air conditioning turns on only when needed. For example, you can schedule it to turn on an hour before you get home.
Think about a fan: Use a fan in conjunction with the air conditioner to distribute the cool air more evenly and reduce the need to lower the temperature.
Keep your AC running: Perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner, including cleaning the coils and checking the refrigerant.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Cool and Connected Home

Whether you choose to buy a new smart air conditioner or convert your existing one, technology offers you the opportunity to enjoy a cool, connected home with unprecedented control over temperature and energy consumption. Assess your needs, consider your budget, and choose the option that best suits you. Remember, comfort and energy savings are at your fingertips. Share this article with your friends and family so they can also enjoy a cooler, more connected summer! Do you have any questions or experiences you'd like to share? Leave us a comment below.