A split A/C system is a great solution for dealing with extreme heat. However, most conventional split systems are unable to naturally adapt to changing temperatures and can only be operated when you're at home. The Z-Wave A/C Controller is a smart device that communicates directly with your home air conditioning system allowing you to incorporate your current A/C system into your Z-Wave network, saving you time and money. Simply set up time cues for when you want your A/C to switch on/off or let it naturally adapt to changes in temperature, thus, providing you with instant comfort every time.
Centralised Control
The Z-Wave A/C Controller can be installed to communicate with any A/C system that uses an IR interface. This means you can control your air conditioning system from anywhere inside the home using a Z-Wave remote or even when you're away from home using your PC or smartphone. It also allows you to connect your air conditioning system with other devices in your Z-Wave network such as temperature sensors. Using Z-Wave 'scenes' on your Z-Wave gateway you can set your air conditioning system to turn ON/OFF when a room reaches a certain temperature you can also turn off all your air conditioning systems off with the push of one button instead of having to go to each room and turn them off individually. Best of all you can turn on your air conditioning just before you get home so the temperature is pleasent and welcoming every time you come home.
Before You Start
While Z-Wave is a very adaptable system, allowing you to add or remove devices at will, it is still important to plan your Z-Wave project before you start so that you only buy the components you need. You should begin by deciding what you want your Z-Wave system to do and then draw up a plan of where you will install your Z-Wave devices and how they will interact with each other.
It is important to remember that most Z-Wave devices have a range of around 30m without obstacles and while that seems like a lot it can prove to be a limiting factor in large scale installations, especially ones where the devices have to communicate through multiple obstacles. Fortunately the Z-Wave system was built wish MESH networking technology which allows Z-Wave devices (excluding battery powered devices) to forward commands from the Z-Wave gateway effectively expanding the range of your Z-Wave network. We also offer specially designed repeaters, such as the VISION Z-Wave Range Extender, which can greatly increase the range of your Z-Wave network.
Once you have a clear plan for your Z-Wave system you are ready to automate your home! If you would like the help of a qualified Z-Wave electrician you can request an obligation free quote here.
What You Will Need
Every Z-Wave system is built around a Z-Wave gateway. Your Z-Wave gateway; monitors the state of all the devices in your Z-Wave network, allows you to control your Z-Wave devices with a remote or smartphone and allows you to create automated scenes which will activate when a certain condition is met. You can read more about our Z-Wave gateways here.
Once you have set up your gateway and connected it to the internet you can start adding devices to your Z-Wave network.
To incorporate your existing air conditioning system into your Z-Wave network you will require a Z-Wave A/C controller. First you will need to include the Z-Wave A/C controller into your Z-Wave network using your Z-Wave gateway, then you simply need to configure the Z-Wave A/C controller so that it can communicate with your air conditioning system. This involves using the Z-Wave A/C controller's built in IR code library which supports most of the popular air conditioner brands on the market. (Before purchasing please make sure that your air conditioner is compatible by referring to the compatibility list here.)
Once you have incorporated your air conditioning system into your Z-Wave network you can control it via your Z-Wave remote or PC and smartphone. You can also create 'scenes' using your gateway to have your air conditioning turn ON?OFF automatically at certain times of day or when a certain temperature is reached.
Please note: your Z-Wave gateway automatically checks the temperature by checking the online forecast however for temperature readings that are accurate to your home we recommend installing a Z-Wave temperature sensor in your home (such as the DHS Z-Wave Multisensor).
Mobile Operation When You're Away
Download the official Z-Wave app onto your iPhone, PC, Tablet or Android device and you can control your split A/C system when you're away from the house. Activate the air conditioning prior to arriving home, or, switch off any devices that have been accidentally left on.
Save on Energy Bills
Use the official app to monitor your daily consumption, which will allow you to cut down on excessive device usage and save on costly energy bills.
A Whole Home Automation Solution
The Z-Wave A/C Controller is one of many solutions that Z-Wave offers. Our range of devices form an inclusive package that provides comfort and convenience for several aspects of your home. You can expand upon your existing Z-Wave setup at any time, in order to create a whole-home automation system.
