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How to turn any air conditioner into a smart AC in seconds for $89

Updated Oct 21st, 2022 3:47PM EDT
Image: Maren Estrada for BGR

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I’ve been annoyed by a ductless AC and heating unit in the back of my house ever since I first moved in. It’s a constant source of frustration due to the lack of a smart AC controller.

The unit doesn’t have even the most basic smart features like time and temperature-based scheduling. Can you imagine if your central AC didn’t have a thermostat and only worked when you turned it on manually? How ridiculous would that be?!


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The mere thought is absolutely preposterous. And that’s how frustrating it is to have a ductless unit like this one. It definitely helps my main central air conditioning and heating, though. All it’s missing is a smart AC controller.

Thankfully a few quick Google searches revealed there are plenty of smart air conditioner controllers out there. These nifty devices add key missing features to ductless and window AC units. I had tried a few different smart air conditioner controllers over the years, and some worked better than others.

I finally landed on one that was pretty good from a no-name brand on Amazon. It was fine, but it still didn’t work 100% of the time. I found that I had to reset it at least once every few weeks. It also didn’t easily integrate with my smart home setup. That meant there were tons of great automations that I was missing out on.

Then, as luck would have it, a company called Sensibo contacted me and asked if I wanted to test one of its smart air conditioner controllers.

And today, the company’s most popular model — the Sensibo Sky — is on sale for $89 instead of $159. Or, you can upgrade to the more capable Sensibo Air for just $99 instead of $189!

The best smart AC controller on Amazon

The Sensibo Air smart AC controller next to its box

Sensibo’s terrific gadget is the missing link that’ll drag your window-mounted AC or your ductless AC into the modern age. It’s very easy to install and set up. In fact, installing it is as easy as plugging it in.

As long as it has a line of sight to your AC, you can control everything with your smartphone. Kiss those annoying manual controls and archaic remotes goodbye. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

If you ask me, the best part is the fact that the Sensibo Air smart air conditioner controller is compatible with HomeKit and other smart home platforms. That means the possibilities are truly endless for this smart AC controller.

For example, I use SmartThings as my smart home hub and the Sensibo Air works great with it.

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It was so easy to configure some great little automations with the Sensibo Air.

During the summer, I have it set to turn on the AC when a motion detector in my upstairs hallway senses motion between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. That’s when I typically wake up, so I want the AC on my ductless unit to start cooling my first floor.

And of course, once winter weather comes around, I switch things up so that it turns on my heat instead of the air conditioning. It’s so cool!

Smart automations are easy

A woman using the Sensibo smart AC controller to automate her air conditioner

Sensibo’s controller app also has plenty of smart rules you can set based on things like temperature, humidity, and even your geolocation, plus you can of course configure time-based schedules as well.

It really is an awesome gadget that is a must-have for anyone who uses a ductless air conditioner or window AC unit.

There are also two different versions, the main one and a second option that comes with its own motion detector in case you want those smart features but don’t use a smart home system. This bundle is currently on sale with a $15 discount.

If you want to spend even less and don’t mind an older model, there’s the Sensibo Sky which retails for just $159. Thanks to a discount and a clippable coupon, it’s only $89 today at Amazon.

If you ask me, there’s really no doubt about it: At that price, this is the best smart AC controller deal on Amazon.

Sensibo Sky Smart Air Conditioner Controller

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Upgraded Sensibo Air

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Sensibo Air with Room Sensor

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Maren Estrada Deals Editor

Maren Estrada has been the Editor of BGR Deals since it launched in 2013. She has more than 20 years of experience testing more than 1,500 products, and reviewing a wide range of consumer electronics including mobile devices, smart home products, computers, and home appliances.

Previously, she was a leading consultant specializing in copywriting, product development, and new product launches.