A/C remote control over internet

[popo]

Hi. Sorry if this is such a newbie question for someone but what I want to do is:

Being able to start/stop my A/C for a room while I'm at my office via internet, in order to have the roomon the right temperature when I get there... as it would start cooling as I drive home instead of waiting to get there.

What would be some easy/cheap solutions to do this...

Thanks.

 

[Jrock]

Are you talking about a window unit?

 

[Fiasco]

Are you talking about a window unit?

Google "IP Thermostat"

You will also need to register on a dynamic dns provider like dyndns.org and enter that information into your home network router and setup port forwarding on your home network router.

 

[Rupp]

I control my one and only window unit using HomeSeer, Ocelot IR hardware, and powermids. This new device looks interesting as well.
http://store.homeseer.com/store/GC-WF2IR--...he-P855C47.aspx

 

[Photon]

(snip) What would be some easy/cheap solutions to do this...

I presume you are wanting to control a window A/C unit since you refer to one room. Since you included "easy" and "cheap" in your question, I think the answer is to skip remote control and go with an inline timer. There are lots of ways to remotely control one's house, but they get pricey and time consuming to set up.

 

[ewelin]

I control my one and only window unit using HomeSeer, Ocelot IR hardware, and powermids. This new device looks interesting as well.
http://store.homeseer.com/store/GC-WF2IR--...he-P855C47.aspx

Curious on how you completed this.... I wanted do something similar with a Global Cache GC-100 unit control by HCA, but I didn't go that route as I wasn't sure what commands I should send it. How do you make sure when you turn it on it's at the proper temp? Do you have any sort of system in place to reset the device when you power it up or anything? What about making sure it's in the proper mode and fan cycle?

 

[Neurorad]

need more info on the AC unit - plugs into an outlet?

If it's a wall thermostat, I think some can be controlled via phone, I think from Aube.

 

[roussell]

If you're talking HVAC, the easiest (and maybe cheapest) way is Proliphix. Nothing else needed for simple IP/web control through your router. You can find them cheap(er) on eBay from time-to-time. ($200-$300ish)

If you mean a window-unit AC that is the old-school knob-turny style, the the cheapest would probably be a CAI webcontrol board along with a solid state relay. ($50-75)

If it's an IR controlled windows AC, then maybe a super-cheap/old pc with Linux and an LIRC for remote control. ($50 to $100 if you shop/beg correctly)

Note that "cheap" and "easy" are subjective and almost always mutually exclusive terms when it comes to HA.



Terry

 

[popo]

Thank you all for yor replies. Providing more info:

It's a "window" unit (Mini-Split single zone type). It's just connected to the power line and all settings are made via IR Universal AC Controller which has a small screen in which you can turn on/off, set desired temperature, fan speed, etc.

When I meant cheap/easy, I meant for simplest way to do this, but it's not a limitation, so I would prefer to pay for it, than to just have a timer. I really want to control it via internet when not in home.

Thanks again.

 

[Fiasco]

Thank you all for yor replies. Providing more info:

It's a "window" unit (Mini-Split single zone type). It's just connected to the power line and all settings are made via IR Universal AC Controller which has a small screen in which you can turn on/off, set desired temperature, fan speed, etc.

When I meant cheap/easy, I meant for simplest way to do this, but it's not a limitation, so I would prefer to pay for it, than to just have a timer. I really want to control it via internet when not in home.

Thanks again.

Globalcache itach ir
$120ish

 

[mustangcoupe]

I think the answer is to skip remote control and go with an inline timer.

This cant be done on all units, I need to apply power and send it the power on command via IR or press the button

 

[ewelin]

I think the answer is to skip remote control and go with an inline timer.

This cant be done on all units, I need to apply power and send it the power on command via IR or press the button

Mine are the same way, two of the units are in off mode when returning from a "power outage" and the other actually completely resets so it doesn't even keep the same temp settings, and it defaults to on in fan only mode.