Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of Smart Air Conditioners - Remodelista

Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of Smart Air Conditioners - Remodelista
When it comes to steamy summer days, there are two kinds of people: those who can’t live without AC, and those who prefer to go without (we’ll be posting on hacks for staying cool without AC tomorrow).
The Noria Smart Air Conditioner was funded on Kickstarter and will be available in spring 2018, as seen in 4 Attractive Window Air Conditioners, High to Low.
Why would I want a smart air conditioner?
A smart AC cranks the convenience of a remote control-operated AC unit up a notch. Some smart ACs will monitor the weather for you and turn on in the middle of the day if the outdoor temp goes up.
Rated at 14,000 BTUs, the LG Smart Portable Air Conditioner can cool a space as big as 500 square feet; it’s $599 via Home Depot.
How do I choose a smart air conditioner?
Of course, you’ll need to consider the same things that come with buying any new AC. The size of the unit (that is, the BTU rating) will depend on the area you need to cool—so get out the measuring tape if you don’t know how big your living room is.
The app-enabled Frigidaire Cool Connect gets high marks for its low-profile mesh front. The 8,000-BTU unit will cool and dehumidify a room up to 350 square feet; it’s available for $299.99 at Amazon.
When you’re shopping for a Wi-Fi-enabled AC, it pays to do your research. What do tech reviewers have to say about specific models on the market?
What else should I consider when shopping for a smart air conditioner?
Can I retro-fit my existing AC to make it smart?
It’s possible to make your AC smart—but read on. There are several brands on the market that let you operate your AC by means of an app on your smartphone—not simply turning it off and on, but adjusting the temperature and fan speed, and letting you monitor the home temperature.
The Airpatrol Smart Air Conditioner Controller, available for $159 via Amazon.
Note that these controllers aren’t inexpensive, especially when compared with the price of the air conditioners they’re meant to control.
The cheapest and perhaps most effective way to make your AC Wi-Fi enabled is to invest in a smart plug. Energy company Con Ed is currently offering New Yorkers free “Smart AC kits” and a $25 rebate for making their window units Wi-Fi connected.
Are there other ways to get the benefits of a smart air conditioner without investing in one?
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