My dears, when it comes to summer, air conditioners are absolutely our saviors! But have you ever had these infuriating moments:
- Rushing off to work, only to remember you left the AC on at the office, feeling your heart bleed money 💰 (electricity bill, ouch!);
- Sweating like crazy on the way home from work, wishing you could instantly teleport into an air-conditioned room, but have to wait for it to slowly start up and cool down 🥵;
- Lying in bed playing on your phone, feeling uncomfortable with the AC temperature, but too lazy to get up and find the remote, so you just endure it 🥶;
- Elderly family members at home don’t know how to use voice assistants, but you wish they could easily control the AC instead of fumbling with a bunch of remotes?
These! Are all common problems with old, “dumb” air conditioners! 😫 They can only be operated with “physical contact” and “visible” remotes, completely failing to keep up with our smart era!
✨What is “Air Conditioner Adaptation”? – The Mysterious Magic to Make Your Old AC “Obedient”!
Many sisters get confused when they hear “AC adaptation,” thinking it’s some profound technology. In fact, simply put, it’s like casting a “spell” on your old AC, allowing it to understand “human language” or “phone language,” enabling advanced operations like remote control, voice control, and smart scene linkage!
Its core goal is one thing: to transform that “single-threaded” remote control in your hand, which only emits infrared signals, into a “multi-threaded” smart control center that can connect to Wi-Fi and be commanded by smart speakers!
With it, your air conditioner is no longer just a cold appliance, but your exclusive “temperature butler”!
💡Why Do You Need to “Adapt” Your AC? – More Than Just Convenience, It’s a Leap in Life Quality!
Don’t underestimate this “adaptation”; the changes it can bring to your life are comprehensive, far more than just adding a remote control to your phone!
- Remote Control, Say Goodbye to “Electricity Bill Assassins” and “Saunas”!
- Salvation One: Never Fear Forgetting to Turn Off Again! After leaving home, one-click check and one-click shutdown on your phone, say goodbye to power anxiety, saving you coffee money!
- Salvation Two: Turn On in Advance, Enjoy Coolness Upon Arrival! On your way home from work, tap your phone, and arrive home to a cool paradise. Just thinking about it is refreshing! Imagine, 38-degree weather, and when you walk in, you’re greeted by a refreshing 26 degrees – that feeling is pure salvation!
- Voice Control, a Blessing for Chronic Laziness Sufferers!
- “Hey Siri/Alexa/Google, set the AC to 27 degrees!” Lying in bed, on the sofa, or even with greasy hands in the kitchen, you can easily control it, freeing your hands!
- Especially for the elderly and children, learning to use multiple remotes is troublesome, but voice control is much more intuitive, easy to pick up, improving their daily convenience.
- Smart Scene Linkage, Create Your Exclusive Smart Home!
- Away Mode: Close your smart lock, and the AC, lights, and TV automatically turn off – hassle-free and safe.
- Home Mode: Open your smart lock, or your phone detects you’re almost home, and the AC automatically turns on, preparing a comfortable temperature for you.
- Sleep Mode: Automatically adjust temperature and fan speed at fixed times, no more waking up cold or hot in the middle of the night, sleep soundly until dawn!
- Temperature and Humidity Linkage: Pair with a smart temperature and humidity sensor for constant temperature control! When the indoor temperature is above the set value, the AC automatically turns on; below, it turns off. This is true advanced enjoyment! Say goodbye to hot and cold fluctuations, achieving a real “constant temperature butler”!
- Auto-off AC when Window Open: Pair with a door/window sensor; when a window opens, the AC automatically turns off, preventing cold air loss and making you an energy-saving pro!
- Fine-Grained Management, Your Exclusive “Energy-Saving Artifact”!
- Through the App, you can precisely set temperature, fan speed, and mode, and even customize different operating schedules weekly or daily. Compared to rough manual adjustments, this fine-grained management can effectively avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
- Some smart plugs and IR controllers also have power consumption statistics, letting you know your AC’s electricity usage clearly, identifying “power guzzlers” for optimization.
🚨Decoding “Adaptation” Solutions! – There’s Always One for You!
Common “AC adaptation” solutions on the market mainly include the following. Understanding them will help you make the best choice based on your situation:
Solution One: Smart IR Remote Control (Universal Remote/Smart IR Hub) – Saves 99% of Old ACs!
- Principle: Simulates the infrared signals emitted by your home’s original AC remote. It has a massive built-in database of IR codes for home appliances (including ACs, TVs, set-top boxes, fans, etc.). You just need to select the brand and model via the App, or perform a simple learning process (point your original remote at it and press a few buttons), and it becomes the “smart brain” for all your home’s IR appliances!
- Pros:
- Wide Compatibility: Almost all infrared remote-controlled ACs on the market can be adapted! No matter if it’s Gree, Midea, Haier, Daikin, Mitsubishi, as long as your AC remote has an IR emitter (usually at the top), it can handle it!
- Lowest Cost: Usually dozens to over a hundred RMB, the king of cost-effectiveness!
- Super Easy Installation: Power connection, Wi-Fi connection, App pairing – three steps done, no professional knowledge required.
- Multi-device Control: One smart IR remote can simultaneously control multiple appliances in the room, such as TVs, ACs, fans, etc., letting you ditch all other remotes!
- Cons:
- Requires Line of Sight: Infrared signals travel in a straight line, so the smart IR remote must be placed where it can “see” the AC receiver without obstruction. If you have ACs in the living room and kitchen, you might need multiple units.
- No Feedback: It only sends commands and doesn’t know if the AC actually executed them successfully, nor does it display the current AC status (e.g., set temperature, mode). This isn’t a significant issue as most mobile Apps will display the command settings you send.
- Recommended Brands/Product Types:
- Tuya Ecosystem Series: Search “Tuya smart IR remote control” on Taobao or JD.com, choose products supporting “Tuya Smart” or “Smart Life” App. These products offer wide selection, affordable prices, complete features, and excellent scene linkage.
- Xiaomi Series: If you’re a user of the Xiaomi smart home ecosystem, you can choose Xiaomi’s smart multi-mode gateway or Xiaomi universal remote. Seamlessly connects with the Mi Home App, with good linkage.
- Aqara (Lumi) Series: Aqara’s M2 gateway also has built-in IR functionality. If you’re an Aqara user, one gateway can handle both IR control and Zigbee device connections.
- BroadLink Series: A professional brand for IR control, powerful features, but may be slightly more complex to set up than Tuya-based systems.
- Target Audience: Almost anyone with IR remote-controlled ACs, TVs, and other home appliances who wants to achieve whole-home smart appliance control at the lowest cost!
Solution Two: Brand-Specific Wi-Fi Modules – “Native” Treatment, More Precise!
- Principle: Some brands (e.g., certain high-end or new models from Midea, Gree, Haier) offer dedicated Wi-Fi modules that can be directly plugged into specific AC ports, or the AC itself comes with built-in Wi-Fi.
- Pros:
- Precise Control: As it’s a dedicated module or built-in function, control is the most precise. The App can usually fully simulate all advanced functions of the original remote and even display real-time AC operation status (e.g., current temperature, mode).
- No Line-of-Sight Requirement: Directly connects via Wi-Fi network, without obstruction limitations.
- More Features: Some can even achieve advanced functions like fault self-diagnosis and filter cleaning reminders.
- Cons:
- Narrow Application Scope: Limited to specific brands and models, poor universality. Old ACs are usually out of luck.
- Higher Cost: The module itself might not be cheap, and installation might require professionals.
- Potentially Complex Installation: May require opening the AC panel to install the module.
- Target Audience: Users who have purchased specific brand ACs with reserved ports or built-in Wi-Fi functionality, seeking the most precise control experience.
Solution Three: Smart Plugs with IR Learning Function (Auxiliary Solution, Not Mainstream)
- Principle: In addition to controlling appliance power, some high-end smart plugs also integrate an IR emitter module and have a remote control learning function.
- Pros: Combines power control with some IR control.
- Cons: The main function is still power on/off. The IR function might not be as comprehensive and stable as a standalone IR hub, and the plug itself needs to be placed where it can directly face the AC, which is a major limitation. It’s generally not a mainstream solution for AC adaptation, as ACs cannot be perfectly controlled by simple power on/off.
- Target Audience: A very few specific needs, where the plug’s location perfectly allows it to face the AC.
✨Key Takeaway: For most people, especially those wanting to make their old ACs smart, the smart IR remote control (Solution One) is definitely the first choice! High cost-effectiveness, good results, simple operation, and a first-class user experience!
💖Step-by-Step Guide to “One-Shot Solution” Your Old AC! – Taking Smart IR Remote as an Example
I’ll use the most common and practical smart IR remote control (like a Tuya Smart compatible generic model) to give you a detailed explanation, guaranteed to teach you!
Step 1: Preparation – Choose the Right Device, Find the Right Spot!
- Device Selection:
- Search “Tuya smart IR remote control” or “Xiaomi universal remote” online, and choose one with good reputation, high sales, and suitable price. Note that many universal remotes look like small discs, squares, or cylinders – they are compact and space-saving.
- Ensure the product you choose can connect to Wi-Fi and supports your existing smart home App (e.g., Tuya Smart, Mi Home, Smart Life, etc.).
- Installation Location:
- Extremely important! The smart IR remote needs to be placed in a location where it can completely and unobstructedly “see” the AC’s infrared receiver. The AC receiver is usually near the indoor unit’s air outlet; just point the remote there.
- Do not place it inside cabinets, drawers, or block it with curtains or sofas.
- It’s recommended to place it in open areas like coffee tables, TV cabinets, bedside tables, where it can cover multiple IR devices. If you have IR ACs in multiple rooms, you might need one for each room.
- Power: Most are powered via USB cable; just plug it into a phone charger head or a USB port on a TV, router, etc. Ensure stable power supply.
Step 2: Download the App, Connect to Wi-Fi – Your “Admission Ticket” to Smart Home!
- Download App: Depending on the brand of your smart IR remote, download the corresponding App, such as “Tuya Smart,” “Smart Life,” “Mi Home,” etc.
- Register Account: Follow the App’s prompts to complete registration and login.
- Add Device:
- Connect the smart IR remote to power; usually, an indicator light will flash (entering pairing mode).
- Open the App, click the “+” symbol in the upper right corner to add a device.
- Follow the prompts to select the device type (usually “Universal Remote” or “IR Control”), then follow the App’s instructions: enter your Wi-Fi password, and wait for connection. This process is usually quick, from a few seconds to a minute.
- Tip: Make sure your phone and the smart IR remote are connected to the same 2.4G Wi-Fi network (some devices do not support 5G Wi-Fi).
Step 3: Pair the AC Remote – Teach It to “Recognize” Your AC!
This is the most crucial step, with two pairing methods:
- Auto Match (Try First):
- In the App, select “Add Remote Control” or “Select Device,” then choose the “Air Conditioner” category.
- The App will ask you to select the AC brand (e.g., “Gree,” “Midea”).
- After selecting the brand, the App will start trying to send IR signals from its built-in code library. You need to click the “On/Off” button on the App interface and observe if your AC responds.
- If the AC successfully turns on or off, it means the remote code is correct! Click “Yes,” and then the App will ask you to test other functions (e.g., cooling/heating, fan speed, mode). Once all are normal, click “Confirm and Save.” Congratulations, pairing successful!
- Pro Analysis: Auto-matching cycles through sending common brand codes to find a match, with a very high success rate.
- Manual Learning (When Auto Match Fails, the Ultimate Solution!):
- If auto-matching fails, or your AC brand is less common, or functions are incomplete, you need to use “Learning Mode.”
- In the App, select “DIY Remote Control” or “Learning Mode.”
- The App will prompt you to point your original AC remote at the smart IR remote and then press a certain button on the remote (e.g., “On/Off”).
- When the smart IR remote successfully learns, it will remember the infrared signal of that button. You just need to learn your commonly used function buttons (On/Off, Cooling/Heating, Fan Speed, Mode, Swing, Temp+, Temp-, etc.) one by one.
- Pro Analysis: Learning mode is like the smart IR remote “recording” your original remote’s infrared signals, so it can “play” them back to the AC later. This method is the most direct and versatile; as long as it’s an IR remote, it can learn it!
Step 4: Function Testing and Optimization – Ensure Flawless Operation!
- After successful pairing, carefully test every function button on the App interface: On/Off, Cooling/Heating, Fan Speed, Mode Switching, Swing, and so on.
- If a function doesn’t respond or responds incorrectly, you can relearn that key.
- Name your remote, such as “Living Room AC” or “Bedroom AC Sweetheart,” for easy voice control and daily management.
Congratulations! Your old AC has now been successfully “adapted” into a smart AC! 🎉
🥳Heavenly Experience After Adaptation! – My Real Feelings, You Deserve It!
Ever since I “adapted” the old ACs in my home, it’s like opening a new world! Every day, my life feels like it’s on autopilot, so comfortable:
- Morning Rush Farewell: Before, I always worried about leaving the AC on when rushing out. Now, with one-click “Away Mode,” all home appliances automatically turn off, no more second-guessing! I can go to work feeling content.
- Coming Home to an Instant “Cool Room”: The weather forecast said 36 degrees today. 15 minutes before getting off work, I opened the mobile App and remotely turned on the living room AC, setting it to 26 degrees. As soon as I walked in, a cool breeze hit me, instantly switching from “roast meat” mode to “cold drink” mode, and half my fatigue vanished! It’s a moment of sheer bliss!
- No More “Fumbling for the Remote in the Dark” at Night: When I’m half asleep and feel cold or hot, I just mumble: “Hey Siri, turn the AC up one degree!” or “Hey Siri, turn the AC fan speed down a bit,” and it executes immediately. No need to throw off the covers to find the remote! This lazy-friendly experience is something everyone should try! I can even set it to automatically raise 1 degree at 3 AM and lower 1 degree at 6 AM, precise temperature control, and my sleep quality skyrockets!
- Smart Linkage Mini-Dramas, Home Understands You Best:
- I set up a linkage: when my smart door/window sensor detects a window open for more than 1 minute, the AC automatically turns off. Perfectly avoids the waste of “AC on with window open,” and my mom doesn’t have to nag me anymore!
- I also placed a smart temperature and humidity sensor in the bedroom, and set the AC to “Smart Constant Temperature” mode: if the bedroom temperature rises above 27 degrees, it automatically turns on cooling; if it drops below 25 degrees, it automatically turns off. It truly achieves “set it and forget it” comfort, body temperature always feels just right, a godsend for those with body temperature regulation issues!
- Waking up in the morning, I say to the smart speaker: “Good morning!” Bedroom lights turn on, curtains automatically open, and the AC automatically switches to fan mode. It can even broadcast the day’s weather and news, just like a thoughtful butler!
- Tangible Energy Saving! Before, I might have left the AC on all night just for that one burst of cool air. Now, with precise control and temperature/humidity linkage, the AC turns on when needed and off when not. My summer electricity bill is noticeably less “stinging.” While I don’t have exact figures, I can feel that less effort is spent, and electricity usage is more rational.
🆘Pitfalls & Common Q&A – Helping You Avoid Detours!
Q1: Why can’t my AC be adapted/controlled?
A: Don’t panic! Common reasons:
- Infrared signal blocked: Check if the smart IR remote is blocked by furniture, curtains, or even your body. Make sure it can “see” the AC directly.
- Unstable Wi-Fi or too far from Wi-Fi: Ensure the smart IR remote is within Wi-Fi signal range and the network is stable.
- Matching failure or incomplete code library: Try auto-matching multiple times. If that doesn’t work, patiently use “Learning Mode” to manually record each function.
- AC is not IR remote controlled: A very small number of central ACs, ducted units, or some very old models might not have an IR receiver. They are usually wired control or special protocol remotes, in which case this method won’t work (but this is very rare). Check if your original remote has an emitter light at the top (point it at your phone camera and press a button, you might see a purple dot flash).
- Synchronization issues: If you control the AC with your phone, but then use the original remote to control it, the AC status displayed on the App might become “unsynchronized.” It’s recommended to primarily use the smart IR remote control as the main method, keeping the original remote as a backup.
Q2: Can I still use the original remote after adaptation?
A: Of course! The smart IR remote only simulates sending signals and does not affect the original remote’s functionality. However, to avoid status desynchronization, it’s recommended to get used to using the mobile App or voice control, and keep the original remote as a backup.
Q3: Does the smart IR remote itself consume much power?
A: They are very power-efficient, usually with extremely low power consumption, almost negligible. Keeping them plugged in all year won’t significantly impact your electricity bill.
Q4: Will this damage the AC?
A: Absolutely not! It merely simulates sending infrared signals, just like using your original remote. It’s pure physical signal transmission and does not harm the AC in any way.
Q5: Can my central AC be adapted?
A: Most central ACs and ducted units do not use IR remotes but rather wired controls or specialized protocol controls, so traditional smart IR remotes cannot directly adapt to them. You would need to look for brand-specific smart gateways or third-party central AC conversion modules. This situation is relatively complex and falls outside the scope of the “one-shot solution” in this article. However, for household split-system wall-mounted/cabinet ACs, this solution is universal!
💬My Sincere Advice:
Dear sisters, if you’re still enduring the inconvenience of a “dumb” AC, you’re truly missing out! The convenience and improved comfort that smart home technology brings are beyond your imagination! Especially this “AC adaptation” – low investment, quick results, and it will instantly free you from summer anxiety, letting you enjoy being pampered by technology!
Don’t hesitate, go get one now! Trust me, your summer will be completely transformed because of it! ☀️🌬️