Aqara AC Gateway on Gearbest: http://bit.ly/XMF_AACG
Mi AC Gateway on Gearbest: http://bit.ly/XMF_MAG

In this video, we're are going to take a look at the Airconditioner gateways that work with the Mi Home APP. In the Mi store they have two very similar airconditioner gateway units, first being this Aqara branded (square model) and secondly, the Mijia Xiaomi branded model. These airconditioner partners are actually very convenient and can make every AC into a Smart-AC.

At first, I wanted to use a regular smart power socket but quickly found out that in China the Airconditioners actually use a slightly larger 16A plug. Exactly when I needed these the most, Aqara crowdfunded this AC Partner Gateway, so I backed that the second it got out in the APP! (June/July 2016)

The AC Gateway is actually a lot smarter than just being a 'regular' smart power socket. It can not only control the power to your AC, it can actually fully control your air conditioner over infrared as well. This means you can set all things you normally can set with your remote control, and more. Besides all of that, it also functions as a full gateway device, meaning you can pair any of Xiaomi's sensors and switches directly to this AC-gateway. This allows you to pair a temperature sensor to this gateway to set up automation rules. You could set up a rule that the AC automatically turns on when a certain temperature or humidity gets reached.

But it can also be used to ring your doorbell when you pair one of the wireless switches or motion sensors, you can set it up as a home security alarm when used with the door/window sensors and motion sensors. It really has all the gateway functionality that the 'regular' gateway units have, with the only thing it's lacking is the nightlight function.

A new feature they have just added is to control any of your nearby infrared devices from this AC Gateway. This allows you to set up any remote control and have the AC gateway learn those functions. I have added my sound system to the gateway so I can turn my speakers on/off with this gateway from within the APP. These added IR-controls can even be automated with smart home automation rules, so it is very flexible.

One thing to note is that these AC partners do have a larger size 3-pin 16A plug so you probably will have to use this together with an adapter. I am not sure if, and when, this AC partner will be released with other types of plugs for Europe and the US but I do have a strong feeling this might happen in 2018.

I am very happy with this AC controller, as in China you use the air conditioner about 8-9 months of the year, so I use this device all year around! (In summer its set to cool, in winter it actually is your heater.)