Is Smart Air Conditioning the Way of the Future?

The exponential rise in technological advances this century has created demand for all kinds of new gadgets, software, and appliances. It has also led to the creation of entirely new breeds of older devices. The latest trend in high-end air conditioning is the smart air conditioner—a highly efficient device which will adjust thermostat controls in a home based on whether or not anyone is present.

The need for smart air conditioners is not just a cost-saving luxury item—it may have serious environmental benefits. Running air conditioners too often, particularly running them all night, can increase outdoor temperatures significantly. Recently, researchers at Arizona State University found that outdoor temperatures in some parts of Arizona’s Paradise Valley are up to two degrees hotter than those in nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale. The researchers theorized that the more intensive use of air conditioners at night in those parts of Paradise Valley led to the increase—an effect consistent with the findings of several similar studies done in other parts of the U.S.

Although it is far from the world’s hottest country, the U.S. is a country which places a high priority on keeping indoor temperatures comfortable. 87% of American homes have air conditioning units, and the combined overuse of many of these units can lead to hotter outdoor weather, and thus more demand for air conditioners! It is truly a vicious cycle.

Smart air conditioners may be on the way onto the market. German company Tado recently concluded a Kickstarter campaign to fund its Tado Cooling smart air conditioner, and is getting to work. Their AC is WiFi-enabled, and is fitted with six infrared emitting diodes, which give it a 180 degree range. There is no need for a remote control with this smart AC model, as the WiFi fills its role via a smartphone app.

The real icing on the cake with the smart AC model is the geolocation functionality. The Tado Cooling model can track when the last person at the home leaves. Better yet, it can sense in advance when a resident is on his or her way to the empty home, and begin to cool the home in advance.

Smart ACs may not fix the outdoor heat increases associated with nighttime AC use right away. But the innovation is a step in the right direction. AC World always keeps a close eye on advances in air conditioning technology, and always offers the best home and portable ACs on the market!