Reddit reviews AirPatrol WiFi. Smart Air Conditioner Controller for mini-split, window or portable AC. iOS/Android Compatible, US Version, Compatible with Alexa with IFTTT

Several solutions that I know off:

• An SBC (RPi, BPi, Odroid etc.) with an IR sender. You can use LIRC to learn codes from the remote if it isn't in the library already. And then setup a webpage to send IR commands to the AC.
  
• The Remotec ZXT-120 - this is a Z-wave to IR gateway, so you need a z-wave hub.
  
• The Flair Puck - basically WiFi to IR gateway in this application; it also controls the Flair vents which aren't used here. Currently in pre-order.
  
• The Tado - also a WiFi to IR gateway.
  
• The AirPatrol - also WiFi to IR gateway.

i just go this for my Mitsubishi mini split - http://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-Control-Conditioner-Smartphone-Anywhere/dp/B00P2KP0MQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453899361&sr=8-1&keywords=airpatrol+wifi

this one might work for you - http://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-Control-Conditioner-Smartphone-Anywhere/dp/B00P2KP0MQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453203229&sr=8-1&keywords=airpatrol+wifi

This one is also worth checking out - http://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-WiFi-Control-Conditioner-mobile/dp/B00P2KP0MQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449156978&sr=8-1&keywords=airpatrol+wifi

You can control your window AC with this (app, web portal, Alexa) as long as the AC has an infrared remote capability:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P2KP0MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_nlx8ybTGWYFZ5


Then use this thermostat for the central HVAC unit.

Ecobee3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZIRV39M/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_Nlx8ybHQE7BMW


A window AC is cheaper, but you'll get better results adding a unit to your central system for sure.

Two cautions come up about this approach. First, make sure your smart plug can handle the load. The Wemo is supposed to be able to handle 1800w which is a typical US wall outlet but some outlets are wired with 20 amp circuits so you will want to double-check the specs for your AC. The other is that fast cycling your unit can damage it so you'll want to make sure that there is a decent delay between cycles. A few minutes at least. You could do this by setting at least a 3-4 degree difference between the on and off settings. But it's something to be aware of if you are manually controlling it.

You also need to make sure your unit auto-starts after cutting the power. Not sure about AC units but lots of space heaters and coffee pots need to be manually turned back on after the power is cut and restored.

I saw this on Amazon. It's a little expensive but makes all those problems go away (replacing them with different ones I'm sure).

https://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-Conditioner-Controller-mini-split-Compatible/dp/B00P2KP0MQ

There have been a few suggestions on the smarthome subs:

https://www.amazon.com/Wiwo-r1-Intelligent-Controller-Automation-Smartphone/dp/B00NZLV582

http://www.thinkecoinc.com/products/

https://www.coned.com/en/save-money/energy-saving-programs/smart-air-conditioners

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E7NYY8/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

https://www.tado.com/us/

https://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-Conditioner-Controller-mini-split-Compatible/dp/B00P2KP0MQ

Nope.

For the heating, you are looking at what is known as a line voltage thermostat. It works by turning a 240v circuit on and off as needed.

It you want to control an A/C that has a wireless remote, you may want to look at a device such as Cuby, Flair, or AirControl:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cuby-Smart-Smart-Mini-Split-AC-WiFi-Programmable-Air-Conditioner-Controller-CUBY-2WE/303128427

https://flair.co/pages/mini-splits-and-window-units

https://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-Conditioner-Controller-mini-split-Compatible/dp/B00P2KP0MQ

You would not install a thermostat, per se; you'd be installing a controller that would talk to the unit.

Mitsubishi for sure. If you're spending some dough, then I'd get one of this as well - http://www.amazon.com/AirPatrol-Control-Conditioner-Smartphone-Anywhere/dp/B00P2KP0MQ