11 Best Smart Air Conditioners & Smart AC Controllers 2022

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Are you looking for a way to integrate your air conditioning system with your smart home?

Would you like to control your AC unit away from home?

You’ve come to the right place.

This buying guide will help you choose the best smart AC controller or smart air conditioner to cool your connected home.

In this guide, we recommend smart air conditioner solutions for a range of common situations, room sizes and type of unit.

In addition to recommending and reviewing the best smart AC solutions, we discuss how smart ACs and controllers work, how to install them, and what to look for when buying one for your home.

So let’s dive in!

Why Buy a Smart Air Conditioner?

Today, it is possible to control your home AC from your smartphone, so room comfort and energy consumption are always under your control, no matter where you are.

These are just a few of the reasons to consider a smart AC conditioner or controller.

Voice control

You can control your AC using your voice with a smart conditioner. Simply connect the AC to an assistant such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Home, and use your smart speaker or phone to issue a voice command.

Automation

You can program the AC to automatically adjust the fan speed or temperature based on a trigger sensor. It can turn on when you enter a room or change the temperature according to the weather outside. To automate your actions, you may need other smart gadgets such as motion sensors.

Energy Savings

You can save energy by leveraging the scheduling and programmable features of your smart AC. For example, you can program the AC to activate only when someone is present in the room.

Or, you can schedule it to cool your house 30 minutes before arriving home from work.

If you forgot to turn the thermostat up before leaving on vacation – you can fix the problem on your smartphone.

Smart AC Unit or Smart AC Controller?

This buying guide reviews both smart air conditioners and smart AC controllers.

Which one is better for you?

A smart air conditioner is a traditional AC with a built-in wireless connection and a smartphone app that lets you monitor and control your air conditioner’s functions from anywhere, using your phone. You can also integrate it into your smart home to take part in automation sequences.

On the other hand, a smart air conditioner controller is a device that transforms your existing AC (without any wireless connectivity) into a smart AC.

We recommend buying a smart conditioner only if you actually need a new air conditioner.

If you don’t truly need a new air conditioner, then buy a smart AC controller to add the same convenience and connectivity for a lower price.

Best 6 Smart Air Conditioners

Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com

Portable Air Conditioners
  • Kenmore 12,000 BTU AC

  • Editor’s Top Pick

  • 12,000 BTU

  • Max room size:
    550 sq. ft.

  • Compatibility:
    Alexa, Smartphone app

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Frigidaire Cool Connect

  • Best smart portable AC

  • 12,000 BTU

  • Max room size:
    550 sq. ft.

  • Compatibility:
    Alexa, Google Assistant, Smartphone app

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Frigidaire 10,000 BTU AC

  • Best smart window AC

  • 10,000 BTUs

  • Max room size:
    450 sq. ft.

  • Compatibility:
    Alexa, Google Assistant, Smartphone app

Smart Air Conditioners
  • LG LW1019IVSM window AC

  • Quietest smart AC

  • 9,500 BTUs

  • Max room size:
    450 sq. ft.

  • Compatibility:
    Alexa, Google Assistant, Smartphone app

Smart Air Conditioners
  • RolliCool COOL100H-19

  • Best smart AC with heater

  • 14,000 BTUs

  • Max room size:
    700 sq. ft.

  • Compatibility:
    Alexa, Smartphone app

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Friedrich Kuhl

  • Best smart AC for small rooms

  • 5,800 BTUs

  • Max room size:
    250 sq. ft.

  • Compatibility:
    Alexa, Google Assistant, Smartphone app

Best 5 Smart AC Controllers

Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Sensibo Sky

  • Editor’s Top Pick

  • Best feature:
    Automatic temperature control based on local weather

  • Compatibility:
    Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Ambi Climate 2

  • Most Intelligent

  • Best feature:
    AI learns from your preferences and automatically sets temperature

  • Compatibility:
    Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Cielo Breez Eco

  • Best Value

  • Best feature:
    Ability to control AC when there’s no WiFi

  • Compatibility:
    Google Assistant and Alexa

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Cielo Breez Plus

  • Best with display

  • Best feature:
    Display showing current temperature and settings

  • Compatibility:
    Google Assistant and Alexa

Smart Air Conditioners
  • Gidbo

  • Best budget

  • Best feature:
    Smart weekly schedules

  • Compatibility:
    Google Assistant and Alexa

The Kenmore 12,000 BTU smart window AC unit is our top overall choice because it can efficiently cool spaces up to 550 sq. feet and has all the features you’ll want at a really attractive price.

This AC unit is controllable using Kenmore’s SmartApp on your phone/tablet or via any Alexa-enabled device.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

This Kenmore window conditioner provides 12,000 BTUs of cooling power and is ideal for large living spaces, bedrooms, and other large rooms. Maximum recommended room size: 550 square feet

This AC unit can also dehumidify a room but does not heat.

This Kenmore Wi-Fi air conditioner is one of the most popular smart ACs sold today.

It comes with an intuitive touch control panel and a dedicated remote control that lets you adjust room temperature, speed, timer, and switch between eco, cool, dry, fan, and eco modes.

With the help of the Kenmore SmartApp, you can adjust the settings from anywhere on a smartphone or tablet. To use the app, you will need to connect your unit and your phone to your home’s wireless network.

Alexa compatibility is also available for the Kenmore window unit. After you have linked it to your Alexa account and added the Kenmore Alexa skill, you can use voice commands to control your AC using Alexa on your smartphone, an Amazon Echo or any other Alexa-enabled device.

The following Alexa commands are currently supported for this unit:

Alexa, turn on <deviceName>
Alexa, turn off <deviceName>
Alexa, set the <deviceName> to number degrees”
Alexa, increase the <deviceName> by number degrees”
Alexa, decrease the <deviceName> by number degrees”
Alexa, what is the <deviceName> set to?

Issues and Limitations

Alexa is the only smart home protocol compatible with the Kenmore air conditioner.

So if your home relies on Siri+Apple HomeKit or on Google Home, look elsewhere.

That said, Kenmore says it will soon integrate Google Home and Apple HomeKit into this model.

Alexa integration is new and remains minimal. Right now, Alexa can only control the temperature and turn the AC off or on.

The app is a bit tricky to set up. However, once set up it works fine most of the time.

Editor's Rating
4.4/5

#2

Best Portable Smart AC

The 10,000 BTU Frigidaire Cool Connect portable AC is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a connected AC that is easy to move from one room to another.

It comes with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and an app companion to remotely control the temperature from anywhere.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

If you need a portable smart AC to cool an ample space, the Frigidaire Cool Connect is a good choice.

This smart AC unit can be used in the living room during the day and moved to the bedroom at night, for example.

The 10,000-BTU cooling power is sufficient to cool rooms up to 450 sq. feet.

You can choose from several modes including fan, dry, and energy-saver.

The Frigidaire Cool Connect emits cool air from all sides of the unit, unlike other portable ACs which have vents on one or two sides. This 360-degree airflow design cools larger rooms more quickly and distributes cool air more evenly throughout the room, eliminating hot spots.

Smart connectivity lets you control several functions on the Frigidaire CoolConnect from your smartphone.

In addition, the companion app can be downloaded and linked to the unit. The AC should also be connected to your home network.

Many users agree that the setup process for Wi-Fi is quick and virtually bug-free.

The Frigidaire Cool Connect is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice commands.

Alexa commands supported include the following:

“Alexa, turn on the air conditioner”

“Alexa, set the air conditioner to 64 degrees”

“Alexa, decrease the air conditioner temperature by 2 degrees”

Issues and Limitations

This unit is a bit noisy when the fan speed is set on high. Not the best choice for a bedroom if you’re sensitive to noise.

Weight is another factor. The Frigidaire Cool Connect weighs 85lbs and has a smooth set of caster wheels, making it easy to move around on the same floor. However, two people will be needed to move the item up a flight of stairs.

Editor's Rating
3.7/5

#3

Best Smart Window AC

The Frigidaire 10,000 BTU CoolConnect Window AC is the perfect choice if you like the efficiency and low noise level of a window AC.

This unit is suitable for medium-sized rooms. It also has wireless connectivity that allows you to control your device via your smart assistant or smartphone.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

The Frigidaire CoolConnect provides 10,000 BTU of cooling power, enough for most medium-sized rooms. The maximum recommended area is 450 square feet.

The Frigidaire Cool Connect is quieter than most other window AC units, too – even with the fan on high. It is almost inaudible when the fan speed is low.

Editor's Rating
3.8/5

#4

Quietest Smart Air Conditioner

For whisper-quiet operation, the LG LW1019IVSM employs a dual inverter and sound insulation.  The result is impressive – this is one of the quietest window units sold – and now it’s available as a smart AC.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

The dual inverter compressor used in the LW1019IVSM works quietly while remaining very powerful. 

It cools a room quickly without making much if any noise. There is no rattling, whirring, or whining.

The noise level at the lowest sleep mode fan speed is a whisper-quiet 44 decibels. 

The LG LW1019IVSM is also Energy Star-certified and boasts an impressive efficiency ratio of 13.8. So it uses less energy to cool a room than other air conditioners.

The included dehumidifier removes up to 3.1 pints of water from your room air per hour. 

The AC is also self-evaporative, so you won’t need to install drainage – the AC exhausts all indoor water out with the warm exhaust air.

The AC is controllable using the dedicated remote control or via Wi-Fi using your smartphone.

The LG LW1019IVSM pairs with Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant. 

Voice commands adjust fan speed, set the temperature, turn on/off the AC, and adjust the fan speed.

Issues and Limitations

The LG LW1019IVSM is not the best choice if you need an AC to cool a large bedroom or open-plan living room. It can only cool rooms up to 450 square feet. 

Thus, it is ideal for larger bedrooms, small living rooms, and larger offices.

Editor's Rating
4.4/5

#5

Best Smart AC With Heater

We recommend the RolliCool COOL100H-19 portable AC for anyone who needs an air conditioner that can keep you comfortable in all 4 season and can be controlled using your phone.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

The RolliCool CoOL100H-19 air conditioner is our top pick for a cooling+heating smart unit – especially for large spaces due to its impressive 14,000 BTUs of power (less when heating). The manufacturer-recommended max room size is 700 square feet.

Like Danby’s popular 12,000 BTU 3-in-1 portable AC, this 3-in-1 cools, heats, and dehumidifies so you can use it all year round.

When using the dehumidifier, you will need to install a drainage hose. RolliCool does not evaporate water into the exhaust, so you will need to drain any water that collects.

If you don’t have a drainage hose to connect, you’ll need to empty the tank at least once an hour.

The COOL100H-19 is definitely louder than a window AC, but the noise level isn’t too bad considering that this unit pushes 14,000 BTU.

You can reduce the fan speed if the noise bothers you using the remote control or the RolliCool app. 

However, you will need to first connect the app to your home’s Wi-Fi network.

RolliCool can also be paired with Alexa to issue voice commands from your phone or Amazon Echo smart speaker.

RolliCool is currently only compatible with Alexa and not yet with Siri or Google Assistant.

Issues and Limitations

Installing the app is tricky. The app takes several attempts to detect and identify the AC. 

One owner suggested using the Tuya Smartapp instead of the RolliCool App to pair your phone with this AC, but we haven’t tested it yet.

The dehumidifier is another issue with the RolliCool AC. The AC is not self-evaporative, so you need to drain the tank or set it up regularly. Due to the quick reservoir tray fill time of ~1 hour, we highly recommend installing a drain hose.

Editor's Rating
3.8/5

#6

Best Smart AC for Small Rooms

This Friedrich Kuhl small AC unit cools a small bedroom or home office quickly and efficiently.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

The build quality of this smart AC explains its high price tag. Friedrich Kuhl products are made to last.

This 5,800 BTU unit features a steel base plate and steel inner walls. In addition, the aluminum endplates are corrosion-resistant.

The enclosed motors are industrial-grade and should last for many years without any issues.

Friedrich Kuhl has a rating of 5,800 BTUs, making it suitable for bedrooms, offices and smaller spaces up to 250 square feet in size.

It is easy to control the temperature and adjust fan speed using the dedicated remote control. Or you can connect it to your WiFi network to control the temperature using an app on your tablet/smartphone.

For voice commands, you can pair this Friedrich Kuhl smart AC with Alexa or Google Assistant.

We love the ability to create a custom 7-day schedule for temperature control. This is a feature every smart air conditioner should provide as standard.

Issues and Limitations

For an AC this size, the Friedrich Kuhl window conditioner is expensive. However, we think it’s worthwhile due to its build quality – and most customers agree.

The weight is another issue The unit is heavy due to its steel and metal construction, and weighs in at 72 lbs. It will require assistance to move it up stairs.

Editor's Rating
3.9/5

Best 5 Smart AC Controllers

Smart air conditioner controllers are WiFi-connected devices that allow you to control your air conditioner’s thermostat, fan, and other features over an internet connection. 

Most smart AC controllers come with a proprietary smartphone/tablet app to provide remote control.  

Some also pair with smart home speakers including Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

#1

Editor's Choice

Sensibo smart air conditioner controllers are very popular. They can control any type of air conditioner, including mini-splits and central AC units.

You connect your AC to Sensibo Sky to control it from anywhere using a smartphone app, a smart home assistant like Google Assistant, Alexa, or by linking it to Sensibo Sky’s cloud platform.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

Sensibo Sky’s Smart AC controller makes maintaining the ideal temperature in your home easier while also saving you energy.

You can connect any air conditioner to Sensibo Sky as long as it has a remote control.

To do this, download the Sensibo App, register your Sensibo device, and connect it to your home WiFi.

Next, pair your AC remote with Sensibo. The app lets you control temperature, humidity, and other settings regardless of where you are.

Sensibo Sky can pair with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant so you can use voice commands via your smartphone or speaker to control your AC.

Sensibo Sky is currently not compatible with HomeKit. However, Siri Shortcuts on your iPhone can control the AC.

Sensibo Sky also provides a cool Geofencing feature that lets allows you automatically adjust your AC based on where you happen to be. For example, the AC can turn on when you enter a room or are within a few miles from home – and then turn it off when you leave.

Geofencing is also very energy-efficient because it only turns on when the AC is needed.

We also love Sensibo’s automatic climate-based temperature control they call, Climate React. Using ClimateReact, your AC can adjust the temperature of your room based on humidity and ambient temperature.

Sensibo can also take advantage of IFTTT and Alexa/Google Assistant to create custom smart home routines such as turning on your AC when you open the garage door.

7-day scheduling is another convenient feature. Based on your lifestyle, you can choose specific temperatures for different days or times of the day.

Issues and Limitations

The lack of HomeKit support is the only standout issue – Sensibo has promised this for some time. That said, Sensibo’s Smart AC controller can work with Siri shortcuts.

Other than this, Sensibo continues to lead the market in providing truly useful and intelligent control of your existing air conditioning system.

Editor's Rating
4.3/5

#2

Most Intelligent Smart AC Controller

Ambi Climate 2 smart AC controller pairs well with any AC that has a remote control and an LCD screen.

This controller works with all AC units including portable, ductless, and window models.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

Ambi Climate 2 relies on your AC unit’s existing remote control, but it has to have an LCD screen that displays the temperature.

The Climate 2 controller is simple and effortless to set up.

In addition, Ambi offers great customer service if you encounter issues.

Ambi Climate 2 can be controlled by two different methods once you have set it up: via the Ambi Climate app on your smartphone or via an intelligent assistant like Alexa.

It is really simple to use the app, and you can set temperature from wherever you are. You can also adjust the speed and mode of your AC fan, too.

You can link Ambi to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to issue voice commands over your smart speaker or smartphone.

Ambi is similar to Sensibo in terms of smart assistant integration – it also does not support HomeKit and you can connect it to Siri on your iPhone.

Ambi Climate 2 stands out with its use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The only thing required to train Ambi Climate 2 is for you to provide feedback on how comfortable you feel.

The AI adjusts the temperature to your preferences by learning from your temperature history and your responses.

Ambi Climate 2 also offers smart scheduling that lets you set different temperatures on various days and hours.

You can also set triggers based on temperature, humidity, location, and sunlight. You can, for example, set Ambi to lower the temperature when it is sunny or raise it as you get closer to home at night.

Ambi Climate 2 also works with IFTTT, so you can create custom smart home triggers and integrate AC control into your routines.

Issues and Limitations

The Ambi Climate 2‘s only main issue is the same as the Sensibo: the lack of HomeKit compatibility.

Editor's Rating
3.8/5

#3

Best Value

Our top pick for budget-minded people is the Cielo Eco.

This AC controller is less expensive than others, yet offers most of the same features and conveniences. But if you are an Apple HomeKit or Siri user, you’re out of luck.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

We expected some essential smart AC controller features to be missing from the Cielo Breez eco, because it is one of the most affordable smart AC controllers sold.

Instead, we found it to be almost as good every other controller today.

Although it’s not as smart nor integrates with anything made by Apple, it has all the features that you need to control your climate easily.

Let’s start with compatibility.

Cielo Breez Eco works well with any AC that has an infrared remote. You can use it as a window unit or a mini-split. It also works with central ACs and heat pumps.

Cielo Breez Eco works with both Android and iPhone smartphones, and the app is free and pairable with the controller.

You can control your AC using Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. However, for now, HomeKit and Siri support are not available.

You adjust your AC settings using the app or smart assistant. The setting options include temperature, fan speed, and climate mode.

The app provides additional settings and features including smart scheduling, air filter status, usage statistics – and even geo-fencing.

The Cielo Breez eco-smart AC controller is easy to set up, too. It automatically detects your remote control and connects to your home WiFi network.

Issues and Limitations

Cielo Breez Eco doesn’t offer Siri or HomeKit support. So the only way to control your AC via Cielo Breez Eco for iPhone or HomeKit users is through the app.

Integration with IFTTT is another major ommission so it is not yet possible to set up custom triggers or actions.

Editor's Rating
3.8/5

#4

Best Smart AC Controller With Display

Cielo Breez Plus is the more expensive sibling of the Cielo Breez eco.

The major upgrade is the beautiful built-in display that shows the temperature and humidity in real-time.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

The Cielo Breez plus smart AC controller operates more like an Ecobee or Nest smart thermostat.

This controller is the only one among our selections that has its own display.

You can control your AC using the touchscreen control panel and display; or, you can control your AC remotely – even without a Wi-Fi connection.

The Cielo Plus display is similar to a smart thermostat because it shows you the current temperature as well as the humidity at a glance.

Mounting the Cielo Plus on a wall near your air conditioner is the best way to make use of the display. The display comes with a backplate as well as screws for wall mounting.

There are two options for power delivery when you mount it to the wall. You can either plug it into a wall socket with the 5V USB adapter or hardwire it.

It can be placed on a table with the included base and powered by the USB adapter cable.

The Cielo Plus replaces your remote control with smart features that help you save energy and control the climate.

Intelligent triggers are one of the most innovative features. For example, you can program Cielo to adjust fan speed and temperature based on the ambient temperature.

You can also choose a temperature range, and Cielo will keep that temperature range constant, regardless of what the weather is like.

Geo-fencing and 7-day scheduling are our favorite features. We also love the air filter status and usage statistics.

The Cielo app works with both Android and iOS phones. In addition, it pairs with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant if you prefer voice control.

Issues and Limitations

The Cielo Breez Plus does not support Siri or HomeKit.

Editor's Rating
4.4/5

#5

Best Budget Choice

Gidbo’s smart AC controller is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. 

This controller is the most affordable, but still has all the essential features needed to control your air conditioning system remotely and intelligently.

PROS

CONS

Our Review

Gidbo offers a lot of smart features at a fraction of the price of similar smart AC controllers.

It takes just a few minutes to set it up; then, you can adjust the fan speed, temperature, mode, and any other settings via your smartphone from wherever you are.

Gidbo also includes a geofencing control that can turn the AC off automatically when you leave your home and turn it back on when you return within 1/4 mile.

Smart weekly schedules are another great feature.

You control your AC using the Gidbo app or via Alexa or Google Assistant to send commands.

Issues and Limitations

Gidbo, like most smart AC controllers, is not compatible with Siri and HomeKit.

In addition, the app doesn’t always give full control over the remote control’s features. It will provide most important ones like the temperature, fan speed, and mode while other functions such as controlling an oscillating fan may not be available.

Editor's Rating
4.2/5

How Smart ACs Work

Smart Air Conditioners

A smart air conditioner cools your home exactly the same way as a conventional ‘dumb AC. It draws in warm air and passes it over cooling coils where a refrigerant removes heat. A fan then pushes the cool air into your room.

Traditional ACs are controlled using a dedicated remote control and/or a control panel. To change a setting, you must be physically near the AC, usually within the room.

Smart ACs, however, allow you to control your AC remotely from your smartphone wherever you are.

To do this, you’ll interact with an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Smart ACs also pair with smart home assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to let you control your climate with voice commands.

Lastly, smart ACs can be integrated into your smart home scripts and routines using platforms like IFTTT.

How Smart AC Controllers Work

Smart AC controllers are special appliances that give you intelligent remote control over your existing, non-intelligent air conditioning system using your smartphone or a smart voice assistant.

Technically, a smart AC controller receives your commands and sends them to the air conditioner’s remote control.

To use one, you first pair your smart controller with the remote control of your air conditioner. You then connect the smart controller to your home network and pair it with an app on your smartphone.

Your AC is then controllable from anywhere using your smartphone or voice assistant.

Buying Tips

Smart Air Conditioners

How to Buy The Right Smart AC Solution

1. Get the Right Size

Smart or not, air conditioners are sized in terms of BTUs. BTUs are a measure of cooling power, and the BTUs determine the AC’s cooling capacity.

It is essential to select the correct BTUs for your room size. A too-small AC will not cool a room if it is too large for the unit’s BTU rating, and the AC will not cool a room if it has too many BTUs for the space.

For every square foot of living area, you will need about 20 BTUs of cooling power. This is true regardless of whether you’re buying a mini-split, portable, or window unit.

A 10,000 BTU AC or lower AC is best for small rooms (less than 300 square feet). For Medium-sized rooms (300 to 500 sq.) ACs between 10,000 BTUS and 14,000 BTUs are best for rooms measuring approximately 500 sq. ft. For a large room over 500 sq. Ft., such as an open-style living space, choose a 14,000 BTU AC or higher.

2. Type of Smart AC

There are many types of smart air conditioners. However, these are the most popular.

Portable ACs

Portable ACs are usually smaller-BTU units you can move from one room to the next. Ventilation is normally required to exhaust warmer air outside.  In addition, portable ACs tend to condense water inside them and water traps/trays may need to be emptied periodically or have a drain line installed.

Window/Wall ACs
Best Smart Air Conditioners

These compact air conditioners are installed on a window sill or through a hole in the wall. Window ACs are quieter and more energy-efficient than portable ACs. However, window ACs are not portable; moving them from one room to another is not easy.

Mini-Split Ductless ACs

Mini-splits can cool a single room. These units consist of an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor air-handling unit.

Heat Pumps

Some ACs also function as heat pumps and cool and heat in equal measures. 

3. Connectivity and Setup

It is easy to set up Wi-Fi connectivity for most smart AC controllers and smart air conditioners.

However, some are slow to connect to WiFi and/or lose connections. This is normal, but often frustrates new owners. In most cases, the issues disappear once you’ve established a clean connection.

By looking at customer reviews, you can get a good idea of the difficulty (or ease) of setting up the AC and what kind of support you can expect from your manufacturer.

Make sure to check if your AC uses 5GHz or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. It doesn’t matter what type of Wi-Fi you use if your router is dual-band.

Another thing to check is whether the companion app works on your smartphone. Most smart AC units today work on all modern Android and Apple/iOS devices.

4. Smart Home Integration

Amazon Alexa is the most well-known smart voice assistant and is compatible with most smart air conditioners and smart AC controllers. Voice commands can go through the Alexa app or an Echo smart speaker and straight into your remote control.

Many smart ACs are compatible with Google Assistant, too.

It is difficult, however, to find an Apple HomeKit compatible smart air conditioner. As of this writing, Amazon does not sell any HomeKit-compatible ACs for example.

Smart air conditioners also work well with automation platforms such as IFTTT. Using automation platforms, you can create automated triggers and actions for your AC unit and integrate them into your other room- or home-specific routines. For example, when your smart garage door opens after 4pm, you can trigger your smart AC to lower the temperature and turn the fan on high.

Tips to Buy a Smart Air Conditioner Controller

A smart AC controller is helpful if you own an air conditioner that is not smart and you want to control it using your smartphone or a smart assistant.

Connectivity and compatibility are the first and most important things to consider when purchasing a smart controller.

Find out what Wi-Fi protocols are supported by the controller and which smart home assistants & platforms it can work with. Most smart ACs and controllers are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant; a few others are also compatible with Siri.

However, smart ACs are generally not compatible with HomeKit, so finding a HomeKit-compatible controller for your smart AC will be difficult.

You should also check that your smart AC controller will actually work with your existing AC. In general, smart air conditioner controllers only work with air conditioners that use a dedicated infrared remote control.

Installation & Maintenance

Professional installation might be needed if you’re buying a smart mini-split or window AC.

It is much easier to install a smart portable ACs, however. It is easy to put together the window kit and then connect the exhaust tube from the AC to it.

To use your smart AC or controller you will need to first connect it to your remote and to your home WiFi network. This is where a lot of people get tripped up, because the WiFi connectivity of smartphone apps is usually wonky. Just keep pushing through, however. They almost always work – eventually.

There is no difference between a smart AC or a dumb one when in comes to maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Air Conditioners

How do I convert my AC into a smart AC?

You will need to buy a smart AC controller, download its smartphone app, pair it with your AC’s remote control, and connect it to your home’s WiFi. Once connected, you can use the manufacturer’s smartphone app to control your AC, no matter where you are.

You can also control your AC using Google Assistant, Alexa.  Finally you can integrate triggers and actions into your other smart home routines using platforms like IFTTT.

Smart plug or a smart AC controller?

Smart plugs let you to control the power to your air conditioner using your smartphone, but they only control the on/off function.

Smart AC controllers, on the other hand, give you access to all of the controls available on your AC unit’s remote control. Using a smart AC controller you can adjust your thermostat, change the fan speed, and change your AC operating mode from your smartphone.

You can also integrate your air conditioning system with the rest of your smart home devices and routines.

Can Alexa and Google Assistant control my AC?

Yes, if you have a smart air conditioner AC or use a smart AC controller to control your existing AC. Most smart ACs and controllers pair well with Alexa and Google Assistant.

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