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Control Your AC With Your Smartphone

How Can I Control My Air Con with My Phone?

Are you tired of coming home to a sweltering or freezing house? Want to make your living space more comfortable and save money on your energy bills at the same time? With advancements in technology, you can now control your air conditioner from anywhere using your smartphone.

In this guide, we'll explore how you can transform your Android or iOS device into a remote for your air conditioning system. Get ready to adjust the temperature, turn on or turn off your AC, and discover energy saving features, all with a few taps on your phone!

Smartphone with an app to control the air conditioner showing the option to increase or decrease the temperature

Can I Control My AC Remotely? 

Yes, you absolutely can! With advancements in technology, you can now control your air conditioner remotely from your smartphone.  

Specialised smartphone apps allow you to ditch the old remote control, offering convenient access to your AC's settings. This means you can adjust the temperature, switch modes, set schedules, and more, all without having to be in the same room as your air conditioner.  

Whether you're away from home, relaxing on the couch, or even in bed, you have the power to create the perfect indoor environment with just a few taps on your screen!

So, Why Use a Smartphone App to Control Your Aircon?

Traditional air conditioner remotes can be frustrating. Confusing buttons and a tendency to go missing make simple adjustments a chore. Smartphone apps offer a superior solution, putting clear and convenient AC control right in your pocket. 

By switching to a smartphone app, you gain control, convenience, and a much less frustrating way to manage your air conditioning system…and no more hunting for the AC remote control! 

Convenience

Adjust your AC from anywhere, at any time. No more rushing home on a hot day to cool down a stuffy house, or feeling frustrated when you walk into a chilly home after a long day at work. With smartphone control, you can ensure your home is pre-cooled in the summer or warmed up in the winter before you even arrive. This eliminates the discomfort of waiting for your AC to catch up after you get home, allowing you to unwind in a perfectly comfortable environment right away.

Comfort  

Imagine settling into a perfectly comfortable home environment after a long day. Smartphone control allows you to remotely adjust the temperature to your liking, so you can walk in and immediately feel a wave of cool relief on a scorching summer day, or be greeted by a warm embrace on a chilly winter evening. No more fumbling for the thermostat or waiting for the AC to adjust; your perfectly personalised comfort awaits you as soon as you step through the door.

Energy Savings

Smartphone control empowers you to become more efficient with your air conditioning use and potentially lower your energy bills. By setting schedules, you can automatically turn on the AC before you get home from work and turn it off when you leave, eliminating the waste of energy cooling or heating an empty house. Additionally, some apps provide features that allow you to monitor your energy usage in real time. 

By seeing how temperature adjustments and scheduling changes impact your consumption, you can optimise settings for better efficiency. This valuable data can help you identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions that can translate to significant cost savings on your energy bills.

Compatibility With Your AC Unit

Not every air conditioner is immediately ready for smartphone control. To get started, you'll need a compatible smart AC system. Many popular brands offer smart-enabled air conditioners, so be sure to check if your current unit is compatible or explore new smart AC options.  

Next, ensuring a stable wifi connection within your home is essential. Your smart AC will connect to your home network, allowing you to communicate with it through your smartphone. 

Finally, you'll need to download the manufacturer's specific app. These apps often provide the best experience and full functionality for your AC's features. Popular apps include those created by major AC brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu. You can usually find these apps on the Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android.

Setting Up Your Phone as Your AC Controller

The setup process is usually straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes. Once logged into your chosen controller app, the app will guide you through connecting your smart AC unit to your home's wifi network. This usually involves entering your network password and following prompts on the screen. 

If you have any issues, like the app not finding your AC unit, check that your AC is powered on, connected to the same wifi network as your phone, and within range. Many apps offer a troubleshooting section, or you can check the manufacturer's website for support articles for common issues.

If you do have any problems during setup, don’t panic! Here are some basic troubleshooting steps you can try:

  1. Check your aircon unit is turned on and reasonably close to your wifi router to get a strong signal. Ensure that you enter the correct wifi password from your router during the setup process.
  2. Try a restart by totally closing the app down and then restarting it on your phone. You can also complete a restart on your AC unit but switching it off and on again using the physical remote control, or at the breaker. 
  3. Have a look through the troubleshooting guide and help sections on the app or  manufacturer’s website, which usually cover the most common setup issues. 
Smartphone with smarthome controller app to control AC and all home devices from one app

Key Features & Benefits

Smartphone AC control apps unlock a world of convenience and enhanced functionality compared to traditional remotes such as:

  • Remote Temperature Control
  • AC Scheduling
  • Modes & Fan Speeds
  • Smart Home Integration
  • Energy Monitoring & Conservation

Remote temperature control permits you to adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere with internet access, ensuring your living space is perfectly comfortable as soon as you return. 

AC Scheduling allows you to program your AC to turn on before you get home from work, turn off when you leave in the mornings, and adjust temperatures automatically throughout the night for maximum comfort and energy savings.

Control modes such as cooling, heating or fan only from your app as well as adjusting fan speeds for you to fine tune your indoor climate to perfection.

Smart home integration is seamless with all the major smart home systems on the market such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. So, you can actually control your AC using voice commands as well as incorporating your AC into your smart home’s set routines, for example, if you have an “away” mode set for when you leave the house, your AC will automatically turn down along with other “away” settings you may have.

Conserve energy and reduce your energy expenses by controlling your AC with your smartphone as most apps provide energy monitoring features that track your AC usage over time. Seeing your energy usage patterns helps you make informed decisions about scheduling and temperature settings, maximising efficiency and lowering your energy bills.

If you would like more information regarding controlling your AC with your phone or if you have any other AC questions, contact our friendly team on 1300 405 295 or complete our online enquiry form.

References:
Daikin Mobile Controller
Fujitsu anywAiR
Cielo Smart AC Controllers