Air conditioning is the largest electricity load in a Saudi home, and many running hours are wasted in empty rooms or forgotten units. Smart control fixes that: switch the AC on before you arrive, off when the room empties, and schedule it for day and night. This guide covers the options by AC type, with NEXSMART controllers available in the Fu-Mech online store.
Key points
- Remote-controlled split AC: an IR controller with no wiring to the unit.
- VRF / FCU systems: a Zigbee AC gateway after confirming compatibility.
- Linking the AC to a presence sensor switches it off in empty rooms.
- For an AC on a direct switch: a 40A high-power switch.
How an IR controller works
An IR controller sends the same commands as the AC remote by infrared, so it works with any remote-controlled split AC. You choose the AC brand in the app or teach the controller the remote, then control power, temperature and mode from the phone. NEXAC-IR-W has a temperature and humidity sensor, and NEXAC-IRS-W adds a display.
And VRF systems?
For central VRF systems and FCU units there are gateways that link the system to the smart home over Zigbee: NEXAC-VGI-Z for indoor units and NEXAC-VGO-Z for the outdoor unit. Compatibility depends on the system brand and model, so send us its details before ordering.
Choose the right controller
| Model | System | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| NEXAC-IR-W | Remote-controlled split | Temperature & humidity sensor |
| NEXAC-IRS-W | Remote-controlled split | Temperature & humidity sensor with display |
| NEXAC-IRG-W | Remote-controlled split | Built-in Zigbee & Bluetooth gateway |
| NEXAC-VGI-Z | VRF / FCU | Indoor gateway |
| NEXAC-VGO-Z | VRF | Outdoor gateway |
The critical point: line of sight
Warning
An IR controller must see the AC directly in the same room; do not place it behind furniture or a curtain. Placing it near a sunny window makes its temperature reading inaccurate.
Scenes that save electricity
- Switch the AC off when the room is empty with the NEXSE-OH-Z presence sensor.
- Schedule a slightly higher temperature at night.
- Switch the AC on before arriving instead of leaving it on all day.
- For an AC on a direct switch: NEXSW-TB-H-Z, rated 40A.
Common mistakes
- Putting the IR controller in a different room from the AC.
- Ordering a VRF gateway without confirming compatibility.
- Connecting an AC to an ordinary 16A switch.
Buy from our store
Every product in this guide is sold directly in the Fu-Mech online store. Press “Buy in store” next to a product to open its store page, or open the product page for specifications and the datasheet.
| Model | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| NEXAC-IR-W | Smart IR Controller for Split AC with Temperature & Humidity Sensor | Buy in store ↗ |
| NEXAC-IRS-W | Smart IR Controller for Split AC with Display | Buy in store ↗ |
| NEXAC-IRG-W | Smart IR Controller for Split AC with Zigbee & Bluetooth Gateway | Buy in store ↗ |
| NEXAC-VGI-Z | Zigbee VRF / FCU Indoor AC Gateway | Buy in store ↗ |
| NEXAC-VGO-Z | Zigbee VRF Outdoor AC Gateway | Buy in store ↗ |
| NEXSE-OH-Z | Zigbee Radar Occupancy Sensor | Buy in store ↗ |
| NEXSW-TB-H-Z | Zigbee High-Power 40A Smart Switch | Buy in store ↗ |
Frequently asked questions
Does the controller work with any AC?
IR controllers work with remote-controlled split ACs; VRF gateways depend on system compatibility.
Do I need an electrician?
An IR controller needs no wiring to the AC; it only needs power and pairing with the app.
How much electricity will I save?
It depends on use; savings come from cutting running hours in empty rooms.
References
- NEXSMART — NEXAC controller data on the product pages
- Zigbee 3.0 — Wireless standard of the Connectivity Standards Alliance
Product information comes from its pages on this site and NEXSMART data; other points are general practice. Electrical connections should be made by a qualified electrician.
