Integrating your air conditioner into your smart home brings added convenience, improved energy efficiency, and real-time monitoring of ambient conditions for optimal comfort. When done right, a smart air conditioner can significantly lower your energy bill while automating your cooling and heating needs.
Homey easily integrates non-smart air conditioners into your smart home by supporting various brands via infrared (IR). With the built-in IR blaster on Homey Pro or Homey Bridge, you can seamlessly control popular AC brands like LG, Daikin, and Mitsubishi. The Homey app allows you to manage temperature, modes, and fan speeds without additional hardware.
In this guide, we’ll explore the leading AC brands known for their smart features, with special mention of those offering seamless integration with Homey for enhanced smart home control.
Air Conditioner Types
It’s important to choose the right type when buying a new air conditioner. Let’s examine the possible options.
Split Systems
These units consist of an indoor and outdoor component. They are popular for homes as they provide effective cooling with minimal noise. The indoor unit mounts on a wall, while the outdoor unit sits outside the building.
Multi-Split Systems
These units are similar to split systems but can connect multiple indoor units to one outdoor unit. They are great for cooling several rooms while maintaining a centralized outdoor component.
Ducted Systems
These units use ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the home, making them ideal for large spaces or entire homes. Ducted systems typically hide behind walls or ceilings, providing a seamless look.
Cassette Units
Ceiling-mounted air conditioners are typically found in commercial spaces but also in homes with suspended ceilings. They distribute air evenly in four directions, making them effective for large, open areas.
Window Units
Window units are compact systems that fit into a window or wall opening. They contain the evaporator and condenser in one unit, making them easy to install and suitable for smaller spaces.
Portable Units
As the name suggests, portable AC units can be moved from room to room. They are typically less powerful than split or ducted systems and require venting through a window or wall.
Choosing a Good Air Conditioner
Now that you know the various types of air conditioners, let’s explore other key factors.
Durability and Build Quality
Opt for brands known for producing reliable, long-lasting units that withstand varying climates and extended use, ensuring you get the most value over time.
Energy Efficiency Features
Look for brands that offer intelligent energy management, such as scheduling, usage monitoring, or eco-modes, to help reduce power consumption. Prioritize units with the highest energy efficiency ratings, like A+++, which ensures maximum energy savings and reduced environmental impact.
Smart Control Features
Consider brands that offer precise control over fan speed, air direction, temperature, and modes, ensuring flexibility to tailor the AC’s performance to your comfort preferences and room conditions.
Warranty and Support
Consider brands that offer comprehensive warranties and reliable customer support, providing peace of mind in case of any issues with the air conditioner.
Price
Consider brands that balance smart features and affordability, ensuring you get good value without compromising essential capabilities. Homey Bridge and Homey Pro can control older units via infrared, so you may not need to replace a perfectly functioning AC because it lacks built-in smart features.
| Brand | Protocol | Fixed1 | Window | Portable | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Daikin ONECTA AC Control |  Wi-Fi |  |  | | From €800.00 |
 Gree Smart HVAC Systems | Wi-Fi | | | | From €500.00 |
 LG Smart Air Conditioning |  Infrared | | | | From €600.00 |
 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ACs | Infrared | | | | From €700.00 |
 Mitsubishi Electric Smart ACs | Infrared | | | | From €900.00 |
 Panasonic Comfort Cloud ACs | Wi-Fi | | | | From €700.00 |
 Toshiba Smart Air Conditioners | Wi-Fi | | | | From €600.00 |
 Sensibo Air2 | Wi-Fi | | | | From €119.99 |
 Tado Smart AC2 | Wi-Fi | | | | From €109.99 |
2 Infrared controllers with support for all types of air conditioners
Daikin ONECTA AC Control
- Energy efficient
- Great build quality
- Advanced control
- Requires ONECTA app
Daikin Onecta is a smart control system for Japanese-made Daikin air conditioners. It allows users to remotely manage and monitor their units via a smartphone app. Daikin Onecta air conditioners are known for their energy efficiency, advanced climate control features, and smart connectivity.
Daikin offers several models under the Onecta platform, including Emura, Perfera, Stylish, Sensira, Comfora, and the premium Ururu Sarara. These ACs come in various types: split, multi-split systems, ducted, and cassette designs. You can also control some heating and cooling pumps through the Onecta app.
Onecta air conditioners use Wi-Fi and can integrate with third-party systems like Homey. Once connected to Homey, users can toggle their AC unit, set fan speed, adjust air direction, change operating modes, set the target temperature, and enable turbo mode. However, before using them with Homey, the units must first be added to the Onecta app.
Gree Smart HVAC Systems
- Affordable models
- Local connection
- Diverse product range
- Cheaper models are noisy
Gree is a well-known AC and HVAC brand recognized for its smart features and affordability. Their platform allows users to control air conditioners remotely, using Wi-Fi for connectivity.
The company offers a wide range of models for both residential and commercial use. The budget-friendly Lomo and Pular series provide reliable performance at a lower cost. At the same time, the U-Crown positions itself as the premium model, featuring advanced technology and greater energy efficiency.
Gree’s AC systems integrate with Homey Pro, allowing users to power the AC on or off, adjust fan speed, set the target temperature, change modes, and control the vertical and horizontal swing. Turbo mode is also available for rapid cooling or heating.
As Gree is EWPE Smart compatible, you can integrate other brands such as Argo, Tosot, Cooper & Hunter, Daitsu, Innova, and Wilfa through the same Homey Pro app. Once connected, the app uses a local connection to control your HVAC system, improving responsiveness and stability without depending on cloud services.
LG Smart Air Conditioning
- Energy efficient
- Simple control
- Advanced cooling tech
- Homey hub must be in same room
LG, a global leader in electronics and home appliances, is renowned for its innovative and high-quality products. Its air conditioners are known for their energy efficiency, durability, and advanced cooling technologies, making them a reliable choice for various applications.
LG offers a variety of air conditioners with different capacities and features suitable for residential and commercial use. They are available in split, multi-split, ducted, cassette, portable, and window formats.
The premium range includes models like the LG DualCool Deluxe and ArtCool Mirror series, which offer advanced features such as energy-saving dual inverter compressors, air purification, and ultra-quiet operation. For budget-conscious users, the LG Standard and DualCool series provide reliable performance at a lower cost while offering essential features.
Unlike other brands, LG air conditioners don’t require a proprietary app to integrate with Homey. Instead, using the infrared blaster, you can manage them through Homey Pro or Homey Bridge. This setup allows users to toggle the AC on or off, set the temperature, adjust fan speed, switch operation modes, and control air direction, providing flexibility and convenience. However, it’s worth noting that the Homey Bridge or Homey Pro must be in the same room as the AC unit, which can limit placement options.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ACs
- Excellent quality
- Energy efficient
- Local control
- Few options for residential use
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is renowned for its engineering excellence and high-performance products, particularly in the HVAC industry. While the company primarily focuses on industrial applications due to its expertise in heavy engineering and large-scale HVAC systems, it also offers a strong range of residential air conditioners known for their efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries provides a diverse selection of air conditioners, including split, multi-split, ducted, and cassette systems, though they do not offer portable or window-mounted models. The SRK-ZS series is a premium option that offers high seasonal efficiency, a sleek design, and ultra-quiet operation. The SRK-ZSX series, known as the Diamond series, takes things further with superior energy efficiency (A+++) and advanced features such as motion sensors that adjust energy use based on room occupancy.
Like LG, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioners can be controlled via Homey Bridge or Homey Pro using infrared. This integration allows users to toggle the AC on or off, set fan speed, adjust the temperature, switch modes, and control vertical and horizontal swing for optimal air direction.
Mitsubishi Electric ACs
- Durable and reliable
- Energy efficient
- Whisper-quiet operation
- Pricier than competition
While they share the same name and originate from the Mitsubishi conglomerate, Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have evolved into distinct companies with different focuses. Mitsubishi Electric specializes in consumer electronics and home appliances, including air conditioners for residential use. In contrast, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is more involved in industrial sectors like heavy machinery and large-scale HVAC systems.
Mitsubishi Electric offers various air conditioning systems, including Split, Multi-split, Ducted, and Cassette. Some of their most popular models include the MSZ-LN and MSZ-AP series, which have advanced features such as plasma quad air filtration for improved air quality, energy-efficient inverter technology for lower power consumption, and whisper-quiet operation for added comfort.
Users can control Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners using infrared through Homey Pro or Homey Bridge. Users can toggle the AC on or off, set the target temperature, and change operating modes. It’s worth mentioning that Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners generally cost more than the competition.
Panasonic Comfort Cloud ACs
- Energy efficient
- Robust build quality
- Air purification technology
- Requires Comfort Cloud app
Panasonic Comfort Cloud is a smart control platform that manages Panasonic air conditioners via Wi-Fi. It allows users to connect their air conditioning units to their home network and offers a range of remote control and scheduling features.
Among the models compatible with Panasonic Comfort Cloud, the Panasonic TZ series offers a budget-friendly option with solid performance and key features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, eco mode, and quiet operation. For those looking for more advanced options, the Panasonic Etherea series excels with technologies like nanoe™ X air purification, which neutralizes bacteria and allergens, improving indoor air quality. The Etherea series also stands out for its high energy efficiency and enhanced smart controls, making it a premium choice for more demanding users.
Panasonic air conditioners use Wi-Fi to connect to your home network and can integrate with Homey Pro. However, you need the Comfort Cloud app for initial onboarding before adding the unit to Homey. Once set up, users can control various settings through Homey, including setting the target temperature, changing operation mode, adjusting air direction, adjusting fan speed, and toggling eco mode.
Toshiba Smart Air Conditioners
- Affordable models
- Energy metering
- Advanced air filtration
- Requires Toshiba app
Toshiba, a well-known brand from Japan, offers a range of smart air conditioners designed for both residential and light commercial use. The company is recognized for its innovative technology and reliable performance, delivering air conditioning solutions that meet various needs and budgets.
Toshiba produces several smart air conditioners, including Split, Multi-split, Ducted, and Cassette units. These systems meet the demands of various spaces, from small apartments to larger homes and offices.
The Seiya series is Toshiba’s budget-friendly option, providing reliable cooling and heating with essential control features and energy-saving modes. On the premium side, the Daiseikai series offers quieter operation, superior energy efficiency, 3-stage air filtration, and motion-guided airflow control. The Daiseikai model has an ash wood finish to complement wood-themed interior decors.
Before integrating with Homey, you must onboard Toshiba smart air conditioners to your home network via Wi-Fi using the Toshiba Home AC Control App. Once integrated, users can control settings such as power, temperature, operation modes, swing mode, and fan speed and monitor energy consumption on models equipped with an energy meter.
Sensibo Air
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Advanced features
- One Sensibo Air per AC
If you have a non-smart air conditioner and want to add smart functionality, consider Sensibo Air. It transforms any AC or heat pump with an infrared remote into a smart device, allowing you to control it effortlessly through Homey.
The Sensibo Air supports over 10,000 AC models, including mini-split, window, ductless, portable, and even some central AC units, making it a versatile option for retrofitting non-smart systems. Its platform offers features like geolocation-based controls, scheduling, filter cleaning alerts, and energy-saving modes. Furthermore, the Sensibo Air Pro also includes air quality sensors to monitor pollutants like CO2 and TVOCs, providing real-time feedback on your home’s air quality.
Users can add the Sensibo Air through the Sensibo Homey app using Wi-Fi to connect to their network and integrate with Homey Pro. Once added, users can toggle the AC, set target temperature, set operating mode, change fan speed, adjust swing, and activate advanced features like Climate React and Pure Boost.
While Sensibo Air is an affordable way to upgrade a non-smart AC, it’s worth noting that one Sensibo Air unit can only control a single air conditioner.
Tado Smart AC Control
- Easy to use
- Open window sensor
- Temperature and humidity sensor
- Requires subscription
The Tado Smart AC Control is another great option for adding smart functionality to your air conditioner or heat pump. It is compatible with most major AC brands, including thousands of models that use infrared remote controls.
One of its key features is its ability to detect open windows, helping to prevent unnecessary cooling and energy waste. It also measures humidity and temperature, providing detailed insights into indoor air quality. Tado also boosts energy efficiency by adapting to local weather conditions and reducing cooling when it’s not needed, such as on overcast days, to save energy. This blend of features makes it an effective tool for optimizing comfort while minimizing energy use.
Once integrated with Homey, you can control settings like fan speed, operating modes (cooling, heating, dehumidifying), and airflow direction. The system also allows you to create smart schedules, automating the AC’s performance to match your daily routine for maximum comfort and efficiency.
However, a drawback of Tado is that some advanced features, like geofencing and open window detection, are locked behind a subscription, which requires a monthly fee for full access to these functions.
