Welcome to my Q&A page where I collect the questions that you write in, print them here and answer them too!
Please fill in the contact form at the foot of this page (include your name and valid email address please) and I'll add your question with my answer below.
Thanks,
Chas
Check these out (newest questions at the top):
Question: On 6/08/21 Hailie asked:
How come all the best smart AC models are sold out in stores like Amazon and Sylvane etc?
Chas Answered:
Hi Hailie! I guess the real problem for big stores that sell imported electrical appliances like air conditioners, especially smart ones, is one of supply.
The pandemic caused a lot of suppliers worldwide to cut back on manufacturing or even stop altogether as workers were forced to stay at home. This will have seriously affected the supply chain with fewer models being made and shipped to the US. I believe that now things are starting to return to something approaching normal in the manufacturing industry and we can hope to see new shipments coming from abroad to fill the warehouses of the big stores.
I hope they prioritize air conditioners now that summer is here and people really need new AC units to replace old or broken ones!
Question: On 5/25/20 Andy asked:
So does a smart AC work with Alexa and how?
Chas Answered:
Hey Andy, great question and one I'm sure a lot of people will want to know the answer to! Sure it does and it's real easy to do it too! You'll need to place the device within sight of AC unit for a good reception. Preferably on the opposite wall so the infrared signal can reach the unit easily without interference. Make sure your AC is connected to your home WiFi network and is discoverable (that should happen automatically). Then simply talk to Alexa - like, "Hey Alexa, turn on the AC," and your command will be obeyed!
Question: On 5/04/20 Lucy-Ann asked:
Hey Chas, I live in an apartment on the 15th floor. Will I still be able to program a smart AC from down at street level or if I'm at work 2 miles away?
Chas Answered:
Hey Lucy-Ann. Thanks for your question. Sure you will, without any problems! Distance doesn't really come into the equation. As long as you have a good Internet signal in your apartment and up-to-date WiFi equipment, your AC will respond to the programming you enter into the app on your phone. It works even if you work in the next town or in the next state!
Question: On 4/23/20 Amanda asked:
Hi Chas, will a smart AC cool a room as well as a regular model?
Chas Answered:
Hey Amanda. Sure it will! The power rating of a smart AC is exactly the same as a comparable regular unit. The only difference is you can access and program a smart AC via your phone remotely whereas with a regular AC you can only do that via the remote control in the same room as the AC unit.
Question: On 4/19/2020 Steven asked:
Hey Chas, where can I download an app for a smart AC?
Chas Answered:
Hey Steven. It depends on the AC manufacturer as each one will have their own dedicated app to control and program their device. Ask in the store when you buy the AC and they'll give you the details. If you buy online, you'll get the app download details in the literature when the unit is delivered.