ctrlspace
// A tidy answer for aircon you cannot integrate directly

Sensibo

A smart IR controller aimed specifically at air conditioners, with a temperature and humidity sensor built in and a well-made app. It turns any IR-controlled aircon into something schedulable.

Why we use Sensibo

  • Works with essentially any aircon that has an IR handset, regardless of brand or age.
  • The built-in climate sensor means the system knows the actual room temperature, not just the setpoint.
  • Well-engineered and reliable compared with generic IR blasters.
  • The Home Assistant integration is mature.

Where we do not, and why

  • IR is one-way. Sensibo tracks what it believes it sent, but if someone uses the original handset the two can drift apart.
  • Cloud-dependent in normal operation, so an internet outage costs you control.
  • More expensive than a generic IR blaster, and more than a Daikin adapter in some cases.

Pros and cons at a glance

Pros
  • Works with almost any IR aircon
  • Built-in temperature and humidity sensing
  • Reliable hardware and mature integration
  • No work inside the aircon unit
Cons
  • One-way IR, so state can drift
  • Cloud-dependent
  • Costs more than a generic IR alternative
  • One unit needed per aircon

The technical position

Main protocol
Wi-Fi, with infrared to the aircon
Local control
Limited
Vendor hub needed
Sensibo account
Home Assistant support
Good
Singapore availability
Available

Where it fits in a CtrlSpace build

Our fallback for aircon that has no adapter path - older units, brands with no local option, or a rental where nothing can be opened. Where a Daikin or Mitsubishi adapter is possible, that is always the better answer.

// Frequently asked

Sensibo, answered plainly

Is an IR controller as good as a proper aircon adapter?

No. IR is one-way, so the system knows what it sent but not what the unit is actually doing. If someone picks up the original handset, the two drift apart. An adapter that reports real state is worth the extra work.

Will Sensibo work with my old aircon?

If it has an infrared handset, almost certainly. That is the main advantage - it works with units that have no smart option at all.
// 5 more in this category

See others in climate and aircon

Wi-Fi adapter Daikin The best-integrated aircon in Singapore ESPHome · Wi-Fi Mitsubishi Electric Excellent units, and a very good local option Cloud only Panasonic Good aircon, cloud-only control Local TV · cloud appliances LG ThinQ for appliances, WebOS for TVs Infrared · RF Broadlink The cheap universal IR bridge

Not sure what belongs in your home?

We do not sell hardware or carry brands. Bring your list to a design session and we will tell you what is worth buying, what you already own that can stay, and what to skip.

Book a design session See every brand