Smart home systems are the structures that are growing day by day as technology advances; containing sensors, cameras, and similar technological devices that emphasize reliance and comfort as a result of cooperating with one another. In this article, we will try to answer the question “What is smart home?” and explain the smart air conditioning systems.

What Is Smart Home?

Smart homes are residences that can be controlled remotely through smartphones, tablets, computers, or smart controls integrated with specially developed software and hardware. For example, it is possible to turn off the lights, lower the curtains or blinds in sunny weather, turn on the air conditioners and cool the environment before arriving home using an app specifically designed for smart home systems on your phone.

The most basic answers to the questions “What is smart home?” and “What systems of the house can be controlled?” are as follows:

  • Kitchen appliances
  • Lighting systems
  • Speakers
  • Network of surveillance cameras
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Irrigation systems
  • Thermostat control systems
  • Cooling and heating systems

Smart Air Conditioning Systems

Smart air conditioning systems are becoming increasingly popular in smart homes. But, what if the existing air conditioner in the house isn’t a smart one? The KNX gateway, which allows non-smart devices to be integrated into smart homes, is a must-have for smart homes. Air conditioning systems, like all other systems, can be integrated into the smart home and controlled remotely thanks to this device.

These devices are essential for smart home air conditioner control since they provide a user-friendly interface. KNX gateways designed specifically for air conditioning systems allow two-way data interchange between the air conditioning system and the smart home control system. kbox KNX gateway simultaneously transfers the ambient temperature data it receives to the air conditioner via the relevant port. As a result, it adjusts the environment’s ideal temperature level and delivers continuous comfort.

Here are some of the features of the KNX gateways for smart home air conditioner control:

    • Ability to integrate into the AC internal unit
    • Ability to transmit ambient temperature to the air conditioner
    • Ability to produce scenarios for scheduling and function programming
    • Temperature limiting
    • Energy saving

What Is KNX Gateway?

The KNX gateway is required for the management of smart home systems since it provides both smart features to technological items and an easy-to-use interface to users. In short, without KNX gateways, it is impossible to turn a place into a smart one. Each technological system utilized in smart houses and buildings, such as curtain/blinds, lighting, surveillance camera network, irrigation system, and air conditioning system needs its own KNX gateway.

These systems can be controlled using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or controller. One can adjust the temperature of the house, lights, or angles of the cameras using smart mobile devices remotely. 

For more detailed information about KNX gateways, we recommend you to read our ‘What is KNX? Smart Home Automation Standards’ article.

What Are The Smart Air Conditioning Systems?

Smart air conditioning systems are technological devices that are mounted on a wall, similar to ordinary air conditioning systems, and whose standard of operation resembles standard air conditioners. Smart air conditioners, unlike other types of air conditioners, can connect to a WiFi network. This is how controlling the air conditioner from a mobile device is possible. Furthermore, a smart home air conditioning system that can receive real-time data and, as a result, go into standby mode when necessary are commonly utilized not only in homes and offices, but also in larger facilities like hospitals, shopping centers, and airports due to the energy savings they provide.

Thermostats and smart home air conditioning control are not the same things. Smart thermostats are designed to detect airflow and turn on the air conditioner. A smart home air conditioning system can connect to a thermostat unit or a WiFi network and can be controlled either automatically or manually. Heat meters enable smart thermostats to take action automatically. Smart air conditioners and thermostats are similar in terms of the installation of their internal units. Both smart air conditioning systems or KNX gateways used to convert standard air conditioners and thermostats require an internal unit for each room for heat control.

How Do The Smart Air Conditioning Systems Work?

When compared to standard AC systems, smart air conditioning systems provide numerous benefits. This energy-sensitive technology, which is essential for smart home systems, has a very high energy efficiency rating.

The fresh airflow in smart homes and buildings is provided not by windows, but by smart air conditioning systems. Thanks to these systems, particles and carbon in the air outside are cleansed and fresh air is supplied inside. The smart home air conditioning system maintains a constant flow between the air inside and the air outside. Thus, a permanent atmosphere of fresh air is formed in the environment.

The long-term energy savings of smart air conditioning systems are reflected in users as both an environmental and financial advantage. Smart air conditioning systems that keep ambient temperature within a particular range automatically put themselves in standby mode when the desired temperature is reached. When the temperature changes, the air conditioners turn on automatically and repeat the process after providing adequate cooling or heating. Air conditioners that do not run continuously and are only turned on when necessary, use less energy and emit the least amount of ozone-depleting air conditioning gas.

In addition to all this, a smart home air conditioning system ensures constant comfort. Smart air conditioners maintain the ambient temperature settings that the users regulate according to their preferences continuously. As a result, the air within is never too chilly or too hot. It occurs at the exact temperature that the user desires.

What Are The Pros and Cons of A Smart Home Air Conditioning System?

As with any technological system, smart air conditioning systems have advantages and disadvantages. By comparing these features, you can decide whether it is better for you to install a smart air conditioning system or to add smart features to a regular home air conditioner with a KNX gateway. It should be noted that the KNX gateways can provide nearly any feature seen in smart air conditioners. 

For additional information on the functions that KNX gateways bring to standard air conditioning, go here.

The advantages of smart air conditioning systems are as follows:

  • It is easy to control the air conditioning at or away from home.
  • It has the ability to maintain a constant temperature throughout the house.
  • It provides portable, in-window, and in-wall solutions which are easy-to-use options.
  • It saves energy in the long run.
  • Smart blinds, lighting, and other similar devices in smart home systems can communicate with one another. For example, when the blinds are closed, the lights can be turned on and the air conditioner is up and running at a certain temperature with a single command.

Here are some disadvantages of smart air conditioning systems:

  • Installation of smart air conditioning systems requires expertise. Therefore, professional installation assistance is essential.
  • Smart air conditioners are more expensive than standard air conditioners.

However, thanks to the energy saving provided by the KNX gateway used in air conditioning systems, it is known that the amount paid to the gateway pays for itself in a short time.

With the high-tech KNX gateways that we create exclusively for air conditioning technologies, we are delighted to have accomplished a first in the world as kbox. Contact us now to learn more about our kbox-Mitt, kbox-Dkn, and kbox-Smg products, which are the outcome of our R&D research on smart home air conditioner control and can transmit instant ambient temperature data to air conditioning systems!