You’ve probably seen them in quotes or showroom demos — sleek touchscreen aircon controllers with apps, schedules, zones, and fancy names like MyAir or AirTouch. But do they actually help you save money?
It’s a question we hear all the time. Smart controllers promise to make your air conditioning system more efficient, easier to control, and cheaper to run. But they also add to the upfront cost — and not every home gets the same value from them.
At Chilko AIR, we install both standard and smart controllers across homes in Nowra and the South Coast. And we’ve seen the real-world pros and cons of each. Sometimes smart controllers do lead to better energy use and lower bills — but sometimes they’re more about convenience than savings.
In this blog, we’ll break down what smart controllers actually do, how they can help reduce your energy use, and when they’re genuinely worth the investment. By the end, you’ll know if this upgrade suits your home — or if it’s something you can skip.
What Is a Smart Air Conditioning Controller?
A smart air conditioning controller is a digital control system that lets you manage your aircon zones, temperature, and schedule with more precision than a basic wall-mounted controller.
Instead of just switching your system on and off or adjusting the temperature manually, smart controllers give you added features like:
App Control (Wi-Fi Enabled)
Control your air conditioning from your smartphone or tablet — at home or away. Handy if you want to cool the house before you get home or forgot to turn it off when you left.
Scheduling and Timers
Set automatic routines based on time of day or day of the week. For example, have the system cool the living room before school drop-off, then switch to bedrooms after dinner.
Room-by-Room Zoning
With the help of individual zone dampers and sensors, smart controllers let you control each zone independently. That means you can cool or heat only the rooms you’re using — not the whole house.
Temperature Sensors and Smart Feedback
Some systems include temperature sensors in each zone to deliver more accurate climate control. Others learn usage patterns to optimise performance over time.
Examples of Smart Controllers We Work With:
- MyAir (Advantage Air)
- AirTouch 5
Smart controllers don’t just make your system easier to use — they aim to make it run more intelligently, too. But do those features actually lead to lower bills?
How Smart Controllers Can Help Lower Your Power Bills
While smart controllers don’t make your air conditioner more efficient by themselves, they can help you use it more efficiently. And that’s where the real energy savings come from.
Zoned Control
Most smart controllers work with ducted systems that have zoning. This means you can turn off areas you’re not using, instead of cooling or heating the whole house. Less area cooled = less power used.
Temperature Sensors in Each Zone
Basic controllers rely on one temperature sensor in the main room. Smart systems often place sensors in each zone, so your system doesn’t overcool or overheat a space. The system adjusts accordingly — reducing unnecessary energy use.
Smarter Scheduling
Smart controllers let you set up schedules that match your daily routine. This means your system runs only when needed — not when forgotten.
Remote App Access
Forgot to turn the aircon off before leaving? You can do it from your phone. Heading home early on a hot day? Cool things down before you arrive. Over time, this helps reduce wasted energy.
Usage Monitoring
Some controllers provide data on how long your system has been running and which zones use the most energy. This helps you spot habits that might be pushing your bills up — and change them.
In short, smart controllers don’t magically reduce your power bill — but they give you the tools to use your system more efficiently. And over the course of a year, that can add up.
When They’re Worth It — and When They’re Not
Smart air conditioning controllers can be a great investment — but only in the right circumstances. In others, they may just add convenience without much impact on running costs.
When Smart Controllers Make Sense
- You’re cooling and heating multiple rooms with zoning
- Your aircon runs daily and across different times
- You want app or voice control for added convenience
When They Might Not Be Worth It
- You only use aircon occasionally
- You live in a small home with one or two zones
- You prefer a simple on/off control and don’t want added features
Are There Any Drawbacks?
Smart controllers offer plenty of benefits, but they’re not right for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:
Upfront Cost
They cost more than standard wall controllers, sometimes by several hundred dollars. Whether that pays off depends on your usage.
Learning Curve
There are more features to learn. If you prefer simplicity, a basic controller might be less frustrating.
Compatibility and Installation
Older systems may not support modern smart controllers. Upgrading could require additional wiring or component changes.
Software or Connectivity Issues
Like any smart tech, these systems can occasionally have Wi-Fi or app syncing issues.
What We Recommend to Our Clients
At Chilko AIR, we install both standard and smart controllers. We recommend based on your layout, how often you use your system, and what features matter to you.
We Recommend Smart Controllers When:
- You have multiple zones across your home
- You want more control over comfort and efficiency
- You’re comfortable using smart devices and apps
We Recommend Basic Controllers When:
- You have a smaller system or limited zoning
- You want to keep upfront costs low
- You prefer to keep things simple
We’re always honest about whether the features will deliver value in your situation.
Conclusion: Do They Save You Money — or Just Add Convenience?
Smart air conditioning controllers can reduce your bills — but they don’t do it automatically. The savings come from how you use them. If you have zoning, use aircon often, and like the idea of smarter control, they can absolutely help.
If you prefer a simpler setup, or rarely use your system, a basic controller may serve you just as well.
At Chilko AIR, we’ll help you choose the setup that fits your home, budget, and comfort goals best — with or without the bells and whistles.
