Tado° unveils its Smart AC Control, enabling households to digitise and optimise existing split-system air conditioners without full replacement, bolstering affordability and energy efficiency amid rising summer heatwaves.
Many households facing another hot summer are looking for a cheaper way to modernise an ageing air conditioner without replacing the entire unit. According to tado°, its Smart AC Control is designed to turn an existing split system into a connected device, giving users app-based control over cooling, fan settings and operating modes while keeping the original appliance in place.
The system works as an infrared controller that sits within sight of the indoor unit and connects to the home Wi-Fi network. Tado° says installation does not require professional help: users scan a QR code, connect the device and then pair it with the original remote so the system can learn the commands. The company says it supports more than 3,000 models from over 200 brands, although compatibility depends on the presence of an infrared remote that shows the active settings on its screen. Some systems, particularly those using radio-frequency remotes or wired controls, may not work.
Once installed, the device lets users adjust temperature, cooling or heating modes, ventilation and, in some cases, louvre direction from anywhere through the app. Tado° also says its system supports geolocation and window-open detection, two functions meant to reduce wasteful operation when nobody is home or when ventilation is already coming through an open window. In thermostat mode, the controller can cycle the air conditioner on and off around a target temperature, with the acceptable temperature range adjustable to limit unnecessary switching.
The appeal is financial as much as technical. Tado° lists the product at €109.99, while similar infrared modules are available for roughly €60 to €100. The company’s core remote-control and scheduling features are free, while Auto Assist, which automates geolocation and window detection, costs €3.99 a month or €29.99 a year. For households with an air conditioner that still works well, the outlay is far lower than buying a new unit. But if the existing system is old, unreliable or inefficient, adding a smart controller is unlikely to be the best long-term investment.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
