Sensibo Air smart thermostat has long been our favorite for window air conditioners and stand-alone heat pumps.
It’s simple to set up and use, and by connecting those appliances to your Wi-Fi network, it makes them smarter and more efficient (2.4GHz networks only).
The brand-new Sensibo Air Pro includes an entirely new feature: an indoor air quality sensor.
A quick note: The product was supposed to be released as the Sensibo AirQ, and our review reflects that. If you’re looking for an air conditioner controller, this feature is well worth the extra money.
If you already have and are satisfied with a Sensibo Air, you should probably consider a standalone air-quality monitor.
Our picks for the best indoor air quality monitors can be found at the preceding link, but our Air Things Mini review found it to be a great entry-level pick at around $80, while our Awair Element review concluded that the more expensive instrument ($240) will check for more types of indoor pollutants.
How does the Sensibo Air Pro appear?
The Sensibo Air Pro is a small square that adds smart, connected features to your window air conditioner and heat pump systems.
It works with most air conditioners that have remote controls, as long as the original remote sends signals via infrared. It will not work if the existing remote is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-based.
About halfway down Sensibo’s website, you’ll find a field where you can enter the manufacturer name of your model to see if it’s compatible.
Sensibo’s app has seen significant improvements since I first tested one of its smart thermostats. Setting up this model was simpler and faster than previous models I’d tested.
I only needed to point my LG remote at the Sensibo Air Pro and press the power button when prompted to connect to my LG window air conditioner.
That was the extent of the setup required; I was then able to remotely control all of the air conditioner’s functions, from temperature to fan speed to operating modes, using Sensibo’s app.
Over the years, setting up Sensibo’s app has become easier and faster (there are no buttons or other physical controls on the device itself).
To connect to our LG window AC unit, we simply pointed the remote at the Air Pro and pressed the power button when prompted.
It just worked without a hitch. The Air Pro was then able to remotely control all of the AC’s functions, including temperature, mode, and fan controls.
To read our blog on “MyMove wireless wristwatch allows you to use any smart device,” click here