Window A/C units are critical in homes without central air conditioning.

But turning every unit on and off is a pain, and smart air conditioners are expensive.

With asmart plug, you’re able to make many A/C units smart.

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Why Make a Window A/C Smart?

Window air conditioners are expensive, often ranging from $200 to $500.

But that leaves you running from room to room to turn them on when you get home.

An iClever smart plug on top of an A/C units plug, over a blue blanket.

Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek

Later, you’re running around to turn them off to save electricity.

But you may not want to run them all day if you’re away from home.

So the next best thing is to make your dumb A/C smart by adding a smart plug.

Closeup of A/C unit showing mechanical power and speed switches and a turn dial.

Related:What Is a Smart Plug?

The best use for smart plugs is voice control and automation, butit’s possible to save money too.

First, plug a machine—like a lamp or coffee maker—into the smart plug.

A closeup of an A/C unit showing an electrical switch and LED screen.

Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek

Plug the smart plug into the electrical outlet.

Now, you’re able to program and control the plug with its smartphone app.

When you turn the smart plug off, it cuts power to whatever is attached to it.

a Window A/C unit connected to a smart plug, which is plugged into an outlet.

Josh Hendrickson / How-To Geek

Effectively, it’s the same as unplugging the lamp or coffee maker.

When you turn the smart plug on, you’ve “plugged the lamp in.”

Mechanical switches let power through based on their physical state, just like a standard light switch.

Is it a soft push button with an LED display?

Or a mechanical switch that flips into different positions for on and off such a toggle or dial?

If it’s a soft push button, the unit likely won’t work with a smart plug.

If it’s a mechanical switch, then you’re free to make it smart.

If you still aren’t sure, there’s a simple test to check.

Turn your A/C unit on then unplug it.

Wait five seconds, then plug it back in.

This will work forportable air conditioners, too.

Once you’ve determined your air conditioner does work with smart plugs, it’s time to purchase some.

If you haven’t already, install your window A/C unit as usual.

Plug it into your smart plug, and that into the wall.

Then download and plant the smart plug’s app.

The setup process for the app and smart plug will vary depending on your smart plugs.

Here are guides for theKasa,eufy, andBelkinsmart plugs.

after you snag the smart plug set up, you may want to integrate it withGoogle AssistantorAlexa.

That will make controlling them even easier.

We recommend doing this through the Google Home or Alexa app and not the smart plug app.

Smart plugs aren’t a perfect automation solution.

it’s possible for you to’t adjust temperature or speed, for instance.

you could use this same trick tomake other appliances smart, too.

You could even set up some “smart” fans tokeep your home cool without running the air conditioning.

Related:Not All Appliances Work with Smart Outlets.

Here’s How to Know