Introduction

It’s frustrating that the standard AC units in Mira & Mira Oasis villas are pretty basic, and unfortunately, the controllers aren’t much better. Most residents just want:

  • ✅ Scheduled on/off times
  • ✅ Remote control via phone
  • ✅ AC to turn off when the room is cool enough

The typical solution is to upgrade to a Nest or similar smart thermostat, but these come with high costs, installation headaches, and limited benefits—especially in a hot climate like Dubai.

Luckily, there’s a cheaper, easier, and more flexible solution that works with your existing AC system: an IR Blaster.

Why Smart Thermostats (Like Nest) Aren’t Ideal for AC Control

Smart thermostats, such as Nest, are designed for heating systems, which work very differently from air conditioning:

🚫 Expensive – Nest units cost hundreds of dirhams, plus you need an expert to install them.
🚫 Limited Efficiency – Unlike heating systems that gradually warm up a room, AC cools instantly. Predictive learning is useless when cooling disappears the moment the AC turns off.
🚫 Less Precise Cooling – Small temperature changes (like dropping from 24.5°C to 24°C) feel much more noticeable than heating adjustments. Nest’s learning function can cause unnecessary fluctuations.
🚫 Not Designed for Rapid Cooling – Features like automated learning and temperature adjustments add complexity but offer little benefit in a cooling-based climate like Dubai.

In short, AC doesn’t work like heating, and a Nest thermostat is often overkill when all you need is remote control and scheduling.

A Better Solution: IR Blasters

Here’s something most residents don’t know—your villa’s in-ceiling AC split duct units already have an InfraRed (IR) receiver hidden in the ceiling!

This means that instead of replacing your wall controller, you can control your AC remotely using a simple device: an IR Blaster.

How an IR Blaster Works

An IR Blaster is a small device that sends infrared signals, just like your AC remote. Placed near the AC’s IR receiver, it allows you to:

✅ Turn AC on/off remotely via a mobile app
✅ Change temperature, fan speeds, and modes
✅ Set schedules for automatic on/off times
✅ (With extra setup) Adjust AC based on room temperature

You can control it through the Tuya app (which comes with AC remote controls already configured), and if you want temperature-based automation, you can pair it with a smart home sensor or hub (though this requires additional setup).

Setting It Up

Installing an IR Blaster is much easier and cheaper than replacing your thermostat:

Choosing an IR Blaster

There are different options depending on connectivity and power source:

  • WiFi vs. Zigbee: WiFi is easier to set up, but Zigbee integrates better with smart home systems. Just make sure you have good wifi coverage where your AC unit is.
  • USB-Powered vs. Battery-Powered: USB is more reliable, but battery-powered versions are more flexible (though battery life varies).

Placing the IR Blaster

  • Install it near the AC’s IR receiver (usually found in the ceiling near the AC ducts). 
  • If using a USB-powered model, you’ll need a USB power source near the AC unit.

🛠️ My Setup:
I installed a UanTii Tuya Smart WiFi IR Blaster (AED 40) in my Jack & Jill bathroom ceiling, drawing power from the AC fuse box via a USB adapter. This can be installed yourself but I do recommend an electrician.
👉 Product Link: UanTii Tuya Smart WiFi IR Remote Controller

If you don’t want to deal with wiring, battery-powered IR Blasters are an option, but I haven’t tested battery life yet.

IR Receiver

The IR receiver should be visible just inside the access hatch to the AC unit, in my house I have two different AC units and their receivers look like this:

Predefined AC Controls – No Configuration Needed

One of the best things about using an IR Blaster with the Tuya App is that it already has predefined controllers for most AC brands and models. This means:

  • 🚀 No complicated setup – Just select your AC brand in the app.
  • 🔧 No need for custom programming – It works straight out of the box.
  • 📱 Easy app-based control – Set schedules and adjust settings from anywhere.

Another Option: Sensibo Smart Controller

One resident has successfully used the Sensibo Air smart controller in their maid’s room to control the AC remotely. Since the maid’s AC remote also works with the IR receiver for the split units, this suggests that Sensibo should work for the main AC units as well.

Sensibo Air functions similarly to an IR Blaster but comes with additional smart features, including:

✅ App-based AC control (on/off, temperature, fan speed)
✅ Smart scheduling & automation
✅ Integration with voice assistants like Alexa & Google Home

While more expensive than a basic IR Blaster, it’s a plug-and-play option that might be worth considering for those looking for a more polished smart AC experience without replacing their thermostat.

Overall the IR Approach is Better

✅ Cheaper – IR Blasters cost AED 40-80, compared to AED 1000+ for a Nest thermostat & installation.
✅ Easier Installation – No need to swap out the wall controller. Just place the IR Blaster near the AC unit.
✅ More Flexible – The wall controller still works for people who don’t use the app, and renters don’t need to reinstall anything when they move.

For simple AC control, this is all you need. If you want advanced automation (like adjusting based on room temperature), you can add a thermometer and smart home hub, but for most people, a basic IR Blaster does the job.

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