3 Best Air Conditioner Remote Replacements [2025]

In this article, I answer the “burning” question: What is the best air conditioner remote replacement?

If you want to know which best air conditioner remote replacement is best:

The best universal AC remote replacement is Sensibo Sky. The setup process is simple and done using your iOS/Android phone. The AC remote app lets you set schedules, control your AC using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, and GeoLocation abilities can automatically power off your AC when you leave home.

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Feeling Hot Hot Hot

Ole ole – ole ole / Ole ole – ole ole!
People in the party – hot hot hot.
They come to the party know what they got.

I’m hot — You’re hot — He’s hot — She’s hot.
 (Real hot) — (Real hot) — (Real hot) — (Real hot).
Ha-ha-ha – Oh Lord!

Remember that 80s song by that guy with the big hair and large forehead. What was his name?  Oh yeah, Buster Poindexter!

How could I forget ole Buster?

Anyhow, with the way this summer has been going.  I couldn’t think of a better way to start this post.  While the summer started off mild, the past few days have been hot. Real hot! And my older clunker of an AC has been running on overtime.

I’m not quite ready to bite the bullet and buy a smart AC just yet. So I started wondering if there was a decent app that would let me control my existing AC remotely.

Why?

Because I’m lazy, for starters! So, I did a ton of research and learned that there are some great universal AC remote apps out there.  They not only make it easy for you to control your AC, but they can save you a ton of money on your electric bill to boot.

If your current portable or window AC has a remote control or supports IR, you can leverage a new breed of smart AC controllers and apps that save you some serious coin off your electric bill. They also offer a ton of convenience and can keep you more comfortable than traditional air conditioner remotes.

Best of all?  They work with nearly every major brand of air conditioner out there, including Carrier, Chigo, Daikin, Electrolux, Fujitsu, Friedrich, Frigidaire, Gree, Haier, Hisense, Hitachi, LG, Midea, Mitsubishi Electric, Pansonic, Rollicool, Samsung, TCL, Toshiba and more!

Keeping cool keeps good company too. A recent report from research firm Statistica shows air conditioner sales in the U.S. have steadily increased since 2010.

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Best Air Conditioner Remote Replacement: Comparison Chart

You already know that my pick for the best AC remote replacement is the Sensibo Sky but there are two other contenders out there too. In this post, I’ll walk you through all three.

But first, let’s start with a little comparison chart.

Here is a side-by-side comparison table showing the key features of the Sensibo vs. Ceilo vs. Ambi smart AC remote controllers.

Last update on 12/13/2024 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Sensibo Sky

The Sensibo Sky AC remote can control window A/Cs, ductless min splits, and portable A/C units. The only catch for this and the other products here is that your existing AC must have a remote control. You can then control your AC from any place utilizing your iOS or Android-enabled mobile device or via a Web application.

The company claims that Sensibo can help you save up to 40% on energy costs. Many customers who own this product swear by it. The “coolest” component of this controller is its GeoFencing ability. This component can turn the AC on before you arrive home and turn it off when the last person leaves the house. You can also control your AC unit utilizing your voice with your decision of Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri.

Note: If you want a portable AC with Alexa and other smarts built-in, check out this UKOKE AC Review I just published.

This is the best remote replacement you can buy in my opinion.

Video Review: Sensibo Sky

Thanks to Ariff Suffian for the helpful unboxing video and review:

Universal AC Remote App Pros

• Control AC from anywhere
• Seven-day scheduling and timers
• “Climate React” smart triggers
• Geofencing location based on/off: start automatically when returning home, turn off after the last person leaves home
• Monitors temperature and humidity levels
• Alexa, Google, AND Apple Siri
• Available in two colors – Cloud White or Storm Gray
• Support for international AC models

Not So Cool Cons

• A few customers complain that the setup process could be easier
• No support for Apple Homekit yet

Compatibility Checker

You can check to see whether your existing AC is compatible with Sensibo right here.

Where to Buy

❄️ You can see it and read the customer reviews over at Amazon here.

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Cielo Breez Plus

The Cielo Breez Plus from Cielo will let you remotely control any standalone AC as including window, portable, mini-split units. Like Sensibo, Breeze requires that your AC has an existing infrared (IR) remote control. Oh, and it makes its initial connection through your wifi router, so you will need existing wifi for setup.

What is great about the Breez is its flexibility in the ways you can control your AC. These include your iOS or Android device, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. The device comes with all required accessories, including the wall plate and even a free table stand if you prefer to place it on a desk or table. The app helps you create zones for efficient heating or cooling.

Video Review: Cielo Breez Plus

The company has a nice overview video and covers the general installation process here:

Universal AC Remote App Pros

• On-device controls for local control
• Set up weekly schedules
• The app displays a timeline of air conditioning actions
• Can control AC even without Wi-Fi [after set up is complete].
• Can set triggers based on temperature or humidity
• Dedicated support team is available Monday-Friday 9am-9pm EST

Not So Cool Cons

• Requires an existing AC remote for setting up
• Some customers have said the setup process could be a bit easier

Compatibility Checker

You can see if your existing air conditioner is compatible with Cielo using the company’s Compatibility Checker.

Where To Buy

❄️Check out the latest price and nice colorful brochure at Amazon.

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Ambi Climate

Out of the gate, let me start by saying if you have an LCD screen remote for your existing AC, then I like this controller from Ambi Climate the best. If you don’t have one, go with Sensibo Sky. Like the other controllers here, Ambi also works with Alexa and Google Home. If you prefer Apple’s Siri voice assistant (I prefer Alexa), then the company has you covered there too.

The controller also supports IFTTT & Geolocation services. A unique feature of the Ambi Climate Controller and app is that it learns based on your feedback.  A feedback screen on the app lets you choose between Too Warm, Too Cool, Just Right, etc., so it will learn your preferences over time.

Video Review: Ambi Climate 2

 

Pros

• Works with Alexa, Siri, and Google Home
• Integrates with IFTTT
• Geolocation
• Works with both iOS and Android devices
• Compatible with most brands of AC
• 2-year manufacturer warranty is longer than other products here

Cons

• Requires an existing LCD screen AC remote; it will not work with traditional AC remotes.

Where To Buy

❄️ See what customers are saying at Amazon.

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Best Air Conditioner Remote Replacement  – Your Turn

I hope you enjoyed reading my review of the three best air conditioner remote replacements today.

What do you think about these smart AC controllers and apps? I did a ton of research, and I ordered the Sensibo Sky.

Do you think that these devices can save you up to 40% on your electric bill?  30%?

Please leave a comment below and let me know.

I will post a follow-up when I figure out how much I am saving at the end of next season.

And you knew I was going to do it, so enjoy!

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You Might Also Like

Here are some related posts you may also like:

• Is There a Waterproof Universal Remote?
• SofaBaton X1S Review: The Good & The Bad
• What is a Universal Remote Control, Anyway?
• 21 Best Universal Remote Apps

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Brennan is a technology blogger and hosts the @TecTimmy YouTube channel. He writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. A graduate of Northeastern University School of Journalism, he has written about technology for 30 years. Tim lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.