Question

This is probably a complicated question. I have a manual AC (no remote), will I be able to plug it to a smart plug or outlet then have alexa or a hub turn it on and off depending on weather for the day or even by the hour? In short, I want to get my ac on and off depending on the temp of the room or weather outside. Is that possible?  

Answer 1

Depends on the AC unit. The easy way to test is turn it on, pull the plug out of the wall for 10 seconds and plug it back in. If it comes back on, a smart switch will work. If it doesn't, it won't.  

Answer 2

I was once told. and maybe not true anymore, that before engaging the compressor to cool the air flow, you first engage the fan. leaving it on to cool may damage the AC unit.  

Comments

@harding30 it is true that most AC units are set up in that manner but I can’t think of why that would be a requirement. Your cars AC system starts and runs without the blower on.  

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Car AC system is different then one for the house. The compressor runs off the motor. The fan is a electric motor.  

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@harding30 I have window ACS from the 80s and 90s that I have on a smart outlet. Fan and compressor start simultaneously and have had no issues for years

Answer 3

Does the AC have a remote control (maybe IR). Then you cam just co teol with IR commands.  

Comments

@unexpected post says no remote

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@hague missed that

Answer 4

You could probably just use a Sonoff TH16 with temperature sensor

Answer 5

I do now, you just have to make sure your plug can handle the draw.  

Answer 6

The only other thing to consider is finding a smart plug that can handle the current and handle the inductive load. You want something with a real relay.  

Answer 7

I have both my window ACS running off smart plugs. Make sure your smart plugs can handle the load of the ACS. I use webcore to turn mine on and off depending if the wall thermostats calls for cooling.  

Comments

You also want to make sure your account if left in the on mode will return to on if power is Interrupted

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@literalism pretty sure autocorrect got you and you meant AC instead of account - this is the most important thing. If that doesn't happen, a smart plug won't help.  

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@hague yes indeed it did. The downside of Facebooking without glasses at night. Sorry about that.  

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@literalism no worries, happens to the best of us. Just wanted to make sure we were on the same page