With technology ringing in comfort and convenience why should one take the pain to invest effort and time in operating various electronic gadgets and devices when the same can be done at the click of a button?
Air conditioners in tropical countries like India are more of a necessity than a luxury. Modern day air conditioners come with a plethora of functionalities – with all of them programmed into the remote. In such a scenario it becomes critical to understand how to maximize these by learning something as basic as – how to operate AC remote!
And it’s all the more confusing when these settings are embossed as symbols! Relax the Gharpedia Team brings for you through this blog information regarding – how to use air conditioner remote, types of AC remote controls; the various modes on your AC remote control; the settings available on your remote control; possible reasons for your AC remote not working; and how to go smart when your AC remote is broken.
How to Use AC Remote Control?
Types of Air Conditioner Remote Controls
When it comes to air conditioner remote controls, the market has on offer a plethora of mind-boggling options to choose from! Gharpedia brings you a snapshot of the three major players in this category –
Standard AC Remotes:
This is one of the premier ones in this category and you generally receive it with your air conditioner.
It carries a display and number of buttons through which you can switch the AC modes and functions. Currently, there are three display configurations available:
01. Full State Display on AC Remote:
It has all the information – temperature, fan modes, operating modes, swing positions, timers, and any other auxiliary features your AC might possess – available on the screen.
02. Temperature Only Display:
This only showcases the current room temperature. A tad out-dated these are a rarity in a market where consumers find it more convenient to view each and every setting right on the display.
03. No Display:
These are commonly found in traditional establishments and hotels and display no information at all; as the current temperature also is displayed on the AC unit itself.
Universal AC Remotes:
These are THE solution in situations where you lose your AC remote or worse, can’t control your AC. The reason being the universal compatibility of these remotes to work with almost every AC brand imaginable! Albeit it may be noted that it is not necessary that all the modes that are present on a universal air conditioner remote control will work with your AC.
Smart AC Remotes:
As we step into a smart world, why should our air conditioners and their remotes be left behind! Understanding this more-and-more AC manufacturers are now launching smart air conditioners which offer Wi-Fi compatibility within their appliances. Now with these air conditioners priced on the extravagant side they may not fit into everyone’s pocket; but a ‘smart’ (pun intended) alternative would be to purchase a smart AC remote control which is universal and equips any air conditioner with smart functionalities! And presto, sit back and control your AC using your smartphone, irrespective of your location but subject to internet connectivity. Explore more functionalities and extra options along with innovative features like weekly scheduling or location-based controls among many others.
A useful tip – These additional functionalities would not be initially available on the remotes of such ACs; in order to unlock the full set of functions, you would have to download the manufacturer’s mobile application.
Beside AC remote control, Gharpedia has also explained how to take care of your air conditioner.
4 Air Conditioner Maintenance and Care Tips
Get the Most Out of the Tips to Maintain AC for Hygienic Air!
Mode in AC Remote Control
Gharpedia brings for you select common modes that practically all air conditioner manufacturers offer on their remote control. So let’s embark on a knowledge-sharing odyssey of learning how to maximize the various commands available on the AC Remote!
Auto Mode in AC:
This energy-saving mode serves to achieve and maintain a specified temperature set point. The AC automatically adjusts the compressor and fan speed in sync with the current room temperature.
Cool Mode in AC:
In this extremely energy-intensive mode the air conditioner switches on the compressor and drives cold air into the space. Once the internal temperature sensor detects that the required temperature has been attained, the compressor automatically switches off and only the fan functions. A point to keep in mind here is that the temperature set is inversely proportional to the runtime of the compressor.
Dry Mode in AC:
This is your go-to mode on humid days which are not too hot yet ensure that you are perspiring. What this mode does is that it eradicates the excess moisture in your space by cycling the compressor for brief time spans; alongside running the fan at a relatively low speed. The run-time of the compressor is regulated in such a manner that it automatically switches off upon the internal humidity sensor of the AC perceiving a low humidity level.
Eco Mode in AC:
This one’s a hot favourite with practically every air conditioner remote control offering it! It operates through efficient deployment of your fan and compressor with the goal of consuming minimal energy.
Nowadays money-saving air conditioners are also available in the market.
Fan Mode in AC:
A popular mode during mixed seasons; when activated the internal fan within the AC circulates air within a room just like a normal fan. This is a major energy saver as the compressor remains largely non-functional…but yes in this mode one is deprived of cool air.
Freeze Protection (FP) Mode:
In this mode, the air conditioner functions at minimum power, to propel warm air inside the space. It generally maintains a temperature of around 46 F; and is more apt for extremely chilly climates, where indoor spaces remain vacant for lengthy time periods. The plus point of this mode is that it prevents impairment to sensitive electrical paraphernalia and water pipes during harsh cold conditions making it ideal for applications in garages or outhouses/sheds, where albeit occupancy is minimal but above freezing, temperature is essential.
Heat Mode in AC:
In this mode hot air is introduced into the room, instead of being blown outside; while cold air is ejected outside. This makes it the perfect mode for the colder months.
Turbo Mode in AC:
Also known as jet, powerful, fast or high power, this one’s the reverse of the eco mode, as it goes all out to achieve the desired temperature in the shortest time possible. As maximum power is used in this mode, with the compressor and fan operating at full tilt, it would be advisable to use it for extremely short periods and only when the temperature is extremely hot or cold.
Settings Available on Your Air Conditioner Remote Control
AC Fan Speed:
This component forces the cool or hot air into the dedicated space; so this setting facilitates controlling the speed at which your room heats up or cools down. Generally four settings are available – low, medium, high, and auto.
AC Timer Setting:
New age air conditioners have built-in timers which allow you to set the run time of an AC, thus saving energy. Say before going to sleep you can set the timer for a few hours, and once you are deep asleep rest assured that the AC will spontaneously switch off.
Ionizer Function:
With the steep levels of pollution this setting is a Godsend! Not much of a ubiquitous function in air conditioner remote controls, yet a fairly useful one; when set-off, an electronic mesh is activated inside the indoor unit, which works towards ionizing the air with negative ions which in turn attract dust specks and other pollutants and remove them from the air.
Quiet Mode in AC:
When set, the air conditioner unit functions as quietly as possible thanks to the fan speed being reduced to the bare minimum.
Swing Control:
This setting enables you to control the position of the swing louver in the exact direction you like amongst the multiple angles available!
If you are in doubt for the location of your AC then, read this blog to have the clear idea.
Possible Reasons Why Your Ac Remote is Not Working
Well you’ve picked up the remote which best suits your purpose and have learnt how to operate its various functions…great! But what happens if despite all your well-meant efforts one fine day your AC remote stops working?
Relax refer to Gharpedia’s troubleshooting list below and you’ll be able to figure out what’s wrong with your AC remote and maybe rectify the same too!
a) While inserting batteries ensure the polarity of the batteries i.e. the negative terminal of the battery should be attached to the negative terminal in the remote and vice versa. Additionally the batteries should be inserted tightly and not be loose.
b) For the untutored, your remote controls work by transmitting an infrared beam towards the air-conditioner. So in the possibility of your remote being old or in case of it being stained with drops of liquid the IR transmitter gets disrupted leading to non-functionality of the remote. Well how does one find that out? Elementary Dear Watson! Just point your mobile phone camera at the transmitter and essay a command; if the transmitter blinks then it’s in perfect working condition; if not then either have the remote repaired or replace it.
C) Many a times, an error code flashes on the display of the AC remote; in which case please consult the AC manual. There would be a detailed listing and explanation of all the error codes along with the troubleshooting instructions; in the exigency of the manual being misplaced, the website or support helpline of the AC manufacturer would be able to pitch in.
AC Remote Broken … Go Smart!
In case your AC Remote is misplaced or gets broken then the easiest thing to do would be to contact your air conditioner manufacturer for a replacement.
But a smarter option would be to invest in a smart air conditioner control. Then the next simple steps would be to –
- Power the smart controller with internet
- Add the model number of your AC
And voila the device will automatically make itself compatible to your air conditioner…!
Welcome to the smart world of technology! Where at the flick of a button you can control your AC from anywhere in the world besides maximizing features like – geo-fencing, scheduling, temperature, and humidity triggers, energy-saving options, et al.So hope this blog on how to use AC remote control eases your remote woes…happy exploring!
If you are going to install AC in your home, these articles are a must-read for you.
Criteria For AC Unit Installation in Your Home!
Things to Check While AC Installation!
Image Courtesy: Image 2, Image 3, Image 7, Image 8, Image 9, Image 11, Image 12
Author Bio
Huta Raval – An English Literature and Journalism Topper, Huta Raval has graduated from the L D Arts College, Ahmedabad. Post serving for 23 years in the NBFC and Public Library Sectors her desire for ‘writing the unwritten’ brought her to the creative field of content writing. Her clientele comprises of NGOs, Blogging Platforms, Newspapers, Academic Institutions, et al.