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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A DIY controller for two split air conditioners cost its author $169.70, including shipping, and was estimated to avoid about 450 kWh of electricity per month by shutting the units off overnight. That figure was calculated from assumed power draw and compressor runtime—not measured with an electricity meter—so it is a scenario-specific estimate, not a verified result or a promise of savings.
What the $169.70 build does
In a September 24, 2026 account, Givi Pataridze described automating two wall-mounted split AC units in a small photo studio. The room had sometimes been left cooled overnight before the next booking. The controller uses an independent room sensor and infrared commands to adjust the units, then switches them off when the room reaches its target.
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The reported $169.70 total includes shipping and reflects the author’s historical component prices, not current quotations.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| Part | Reported cost | Role |
|---|---|---|
| M5Stack Basic v2.7 | $39.90 | Controller with screen |
| LAN PoE Base W5500 v1.2 | $48.50 | Base and power provision |
| Unit CO2L with SCD41 | $45.90 | Room sensor |
| Two Unit IR emitters | $15.80 total ($7.90 each) | Send commands to the AC units |
| Grove cables and jumpers | $10.40 | Connections and wiring |
The final build used Wi-Fi for data; the PoE base supplied power but, according to Pataridze, did not provide data in this setup. Four jumper wires had to be soldered between internal pads and the base’s screw terminals for ground, 5V and two IR signal lines. The author says those terminals were not connected from the factory. The IR emitters had a narrow beam and an approximate two-metre range, so their placement matters.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Wide Compatibility】Replacement remote control for MRCOOL Mini Split AC units. Compatible with MRCOOL DIYM218HPW00C07, DIYM236HPW01C07, DIY-36-HP-230B, A-12-HP-115B, DIY-18-HP-WM-230C25, DIY-12-HP-WM-115C25 AIR CONDITIONER REMOTE CONTROL
- RG57A7/BGEF RG57B(B)/BGE RG57B/BGE RG57B/BGEFU1 RG57B/BGE-OS RG57B/BGEU1 RG57B1/BGE RG57B2/BGE RG57BB/BGE RG57D/BGE RG57D1(C)/BGEF RG57E1/BGEU1 RG57F3(B)/BGEFU1 RG57H(B)/BGE Rg57H/Bge
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Pataridze also describes decoding an AC protocol the controller did not initially support, after which the controller operated the indoor unit. That is a project-specific account, not evidence that every split AC will accept the same commands or work with the same setup. The original account is at Givi Pataridze’s DIY AC controller article.
How its room-temperature control works
The controller relies on its own room sensor rather than the air conditioner’s built-in thermostat. The reported sensor update interval is 60 seconds. It uses different start and stop thresholds to avoid switching at exactly one temperature:
Rank #2
- SMART AC CONTROL - Turn your existing air conditioner or your mini split / ductless / heat pump system into a smart AC, reducing your cooling bills by up to 40%! The smartphone app allows you to take any remote controlled AC unit and have it maintain a comfortable home temperature from anywhere. This lightweight unit is only 3.2” X 2.2” X 0.8”, is wall mounted and comes in eco friendly packaging.
- EASY SETUP - Simply plug in your Sensibo Sky, connect to WiFi, launch the app, and enjoy a smarter, connected environment. Sensibo Sky connects with all remote controlled AC units in addition to smart home devices such as Google, Alexa, and Siri for use from your phone or desktop apps. Works with window AC, Mini Split/Ductless ACs or heat pumps and portable ACs. (Doesn't support Bluetooth)
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- EASY TO USE - Sensibo Mobile (Android & iOS) and Web Apps for PC and Mac make it easy to control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Set unique temperature and humidity preferences for any room remotely or use the 7 days scheduler.
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| Mode | Start AC | Commanded AC target | Stop AC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooling | Room reaches 24°C | 18°C | Room reaches 23°C |
| Heating | Room reaches 18°C | 24°C | Room reaches 22°C |
In effect, the AC is commanded toward a deliberately distant setpoint while the separate room sensor decides when to stop it. The author says this local control logic continues without a server, cloud service or phone app.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhere the 450 kWh estimate comes from
The author’s calculation assumes two units in the 18,000-BTU class, each drawing roughly 1.5–1.8 kW while its compressor runs; a 50% compressor duty cycle; and a nightly shutdown interval of 9.5 hours. With those inputs, the estimated avoided use is about 15 kWh per night, or roughly 450 kWh in a 30-day month. Pataridze gives a rough range of 350–570 kWh per month.
Rank #3
- Pre-Connected Indoor Unit for Fast Installation: The indoor side comes fully pre-wired, reducing on-site wiring steps and saving you time. Perfect for anyone looking to install a fast-connect air conditioner without extra tools or complicated steps
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- Powerful & Whisper-Quiet Climate Control: Efficiently cools or heats up to 750 sq. ft., handling temperatures from 5°F–122°F. Perfect for DIY mini split projects, with whisper-quiet operation under 29dB and easy remote or smart app control
Crucially, the account says no electricity meter was installed. As Pataridze put it: “I did not install an electricity meter, so what follows is arithmetic on stated assumptions, not a measurement.” Actual savings would depend on the units’ real power draw and cycling, how long they would otherwise run, the schedule, and how the space holds temperature. The estimate should not be carried over to another building or AC without replacing those assumptions with relevant data.
At an illustrative electricity rate of $0.10 per kWh, the article’s estimate works out to about $45 a month. On that same assumed savings and rate, the author estimates a hardware payback of around four months. Both figures are illustrative arithmetic: a different tariff or lower actual savings changes the result, and payback is not guaranteed.
Rank #4
- RG10A-BGEF RG10A/BGEF Replacement Remote Control for Midea Air Conditioner.
- Compatible with Midea Air Conditioner RG10A1(E2S)/BGEF RG10A10(E2S)/BGEF RG10B10(E2)/BGEF RG10B(E2)/BGEF RG10B1(E2)/BGEF RG10A5(B1)/BGCEFU1 RG10A2(E2S)/BGCEF RG10A(E2S)/BGEFU1 RG10A2(E2S)/BGEFU1 RG10B10(E2)/BGCEF RG10B2(E2)/BGCEF RG10A(B2S)/BGEFU1 RG10A2(E2S)/BGCEFU1
- Display in Both Fahrenheit and Celsius. How to change ℃ to ℉? first put in battery and press the power button, then press " temp +" and "temp -" at the same time about 5 seconds to make it change from ℃ to ℉.
- No programming or pairing needed, just install 2 new AAA alkaline batteries, then it works.
- Battery Type: 2X 1.5V AAA Akaline Battery , Batteries are not included.
Cheaper approaches proposed by the author
Pataridze also sketches two lower-cost alternatives. These are proposed designs, not controlled side-by-side comparisons or independently verified current-price builds.
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The proposed no-solder route uses two M5Stack Atom Lite boards, one near each AC, plus an SCD40 CO2 sensor on one board. USB phone chargers provide power, and the boards communicate over Wi-Fi. The author says the Atom Lite has an onboard IR LED and that readings can be viewed on ESPHome’s web page instead of using a dedicated screen.
Best Value
- No programming or setup required
- Universal Air Conditioner Remote Control Compatible with Midea AC Remote - All Models. This remote is NOT compatible with other AC brands.
- Remote Control R51ME Compatible with Midea Miller R51E R51CE R51MCE R51DE R51MBGE R51I4BGE R51I4BGCE UL-R51ME R51I11BGE R51L4BGE R51CBGE R51CE R51ME R51MCE and More
- Built-in clock and timer ON/OFF functions
- Packaging content: 1 x Remote Control (Battery Not Included)
Roughly $20: generic ESP32 and basic sensor
The proposed soldering route uses a generic ESP32 board, an IR LED, a transistor and resistors, plus a basic temperature-and-humidity sensor. It does not include measured CO2 sensing. An eCO2 estimate derived from other gases is not equivalent to a direct CO2 measurement; the author names the SCD40 and SCD41 as examples of photoacoustic or NDIR sensors.
| Consideration | Featured build | Atom Lite proposal | Generic ESP32 proposal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reported parts cost | $169.70 including shipping; historical project cost | Roughly $50; proposal, not a current quote | Roughly $20; proposal, not a current quote |
| Soldering and wiring | Four jumper wires soldered to internal pads and screw terminals | Described as a no-solder route | Soldering and component wiring required |
| Display | Dedicated screen | ESPHome web page | Not stated in the account |
| Power and connectivity | PoE base supplied power; Wi-Fi carried data in the final build | USB phone chargers and Wi-Fi | Not stated in the account |
| AC units and sensing | Two ACs; CO2L with SCD41 | Two boards, one SCD40 sensor; proposed for two ACs | AC count not stated; basic temperature and humidity sensor, no measured CO2 reading |
The article does not establish current prices, availability or compatibility for these alternatives. The Atom Lite design trades the featured build’s screen for a web display; the generic ESP32 proposal reduces parts cost but calls for more hands-on wiring and omits direct CO2 measurement.
What to check before using the estimate for your space
- Find the AC units’ actual electrical consumption under your operating conditions rather than assuming the example’s compressor draw and duty cycle.
- Estimate the hours the units would otherwise run during the shutdown period; an overnight-off schedule only saves energy when it replaces real operation.
- Use your electricity tariff to translate any measured or carefully estimated kWh reduction into money.
- Confirm that the IR transmitter can reach each unit and that the controller can send the commands that model accepts.
- Decide whether you need a dedicated display, direct CO2 measurement, or a no-solder setup before choosing among the project’s designs.
The original article is the source for the component list, control details and savings calculation; a republication is available on DEV Community. The republication is the same account, not independent confirmation of the energy estimate.
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