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An ESP8266 can control a compatible air conditioner over Wi-Fi by using ESPHome to send the unit’s infrared remote commands. The key checks are whether the exact AC protocol is supported and whether you need only command sending or also feedback about the unit’s state.
How an ESP8266 controls an air conditioner
The ESP8266 does not directly control the AC’s compressor or other mains-powered parts in this approach. Instead, it acts like the handheld remote: an IR transmitter sends commands that the air conditioner can receive. ESPHome’s IR Remote Climate integration provides this method for compatible units.
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A typical setup connects the ESP8266 to Wi-Fi and makes the climate controls available through compatible smart-home software. A published project demonstrates an ESP8266, ESPHome, Home Assistant, IR hardware, and temperature sensing in one build; it is an example rather than a universal wiring plan. See Project Time Tech’s project guide, published June 21, 2024.
Check compatibility before choosing parts
IR control depends on the command protocol used by the specific air conditioner, not simply its brand name. ESPHome lists support for platforms including Ballu, Coolix, Daikin, Fujitsu General, LG, Midea, Mitsubishi, and Toshiba, among others. That list does not establish compatibility with every model from those manufacturers. Check the current ESPHome platform list against the exact AC model and remote protocol before buying or wiring components.
#1 Best Overall
- ESP8285 ESP-01M IR Infrared Transmitter Receiver Module
- Support infrared control, wireless WIFI control and firmware update
- Work Voltage:DC 5V; Size:23.4*23.4*18mm
- Confirm the specific AC protocol is supported by the integration.
- Decide whether sending commands is sufficient or whether you also need to account for use of the original remote.
- Check which controls the chosen integration exposes; available climate features vary by integration.
Understand the state-feedback limitation
Transmitter only
With one-way IR, the ESP8266 sends a command but cannot confirm that the AC received it or changed state. Without a receiver, the integration assumes the state most recently requested. If a command is missed, or someone changes the AC with its handheld remote, the reported state can differ from the unit’s actual state.
Transmitter and receiver
An IR receiver can listen for messages from the AC’s remote and help track changes made with it, but ESPHome supports receiving messages only for select platforms. Check whether receiving is available for your protocol; adding a receiver does not make every AC’s state observable.
Rank #2
- 1838 IR RECEIVER HIGH SENSITIVITY: Features 1838 infrared receiver chip at 38KHz with center wavelength 850nm to 940nm, 20-degree emission angle, and detection range up to 1.3 meters for accurate signal reception
- IR TRANSMITTER WITH SIGNAL INDICATOR LED: Equipped with single-tube direct infrared transmitter and real-time signal indicator LED for easy observation and debugging of transmission status during operation
- 5V DIGITAL SIGNAL OUTPUT: Operates at 5V working voltage with digital signal output; connect DAT to digital output and OUT to GPIO port of your control device for straightforward circuit integration
- WIDE PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, ESP8266, Raspberry Pi, UNO R3, AVR, and ARM platforms for infrared communication, remote control, and obstacle avoidance applications
- 5 SETS WITH M3 MOUNTING HOLES: Includes 5 complete IR receiver and transmitter module sets, each with 2 M3 fixing holes of 3.1mm aperture for easy installation in DIY electronics and robotics projects
What controls and sensors might be involved?
ESPHome’s climate entity model can represent settings such as mode, target temperature, fan mode, swing mode, preset, and action. These are possible climate-entity features, not a promise that every IR integration or AC exposes all of them. The ESPHome climate developer documentation describes the entity model and its possible states.
An external temperature sensor may be useful for an automation that depends on room temperature, but whether you need one depends on the behavior you want. A sensor reading is separate from confirmation that the AC accepted an IR command.
Rank #3
- ❃❃Dynamic current: 3-5mA
- ❃❃Note： not included battery (you can use the CR2025 )
- ❃❃Product detailed size: remote control 85 x 40mm line length about 175mm
- ❃❃Effective life: 20,000 times
- ❃❃ for Arduino suite by ultrathin Mini infrared wireless remote control infrared remote control and 38 KHZ infrared receiving module.
Choose hardware for the specific build
Component categories for a possible design include an ESP8266 development board and an IR transmitter module. Depending on protocol support and the desired feedback or automation, the design may also use an IR receiver module and a temperature sensor. The project example above illustrates one arrangement, not a standard bill of materials.
There is no universal board model, pin assignment, circuit, or electrical rating established for every ESP8266 AC controller. Confirm the voltage and GPIO requirements of the particular board and modules, plan the IR transmitter’s placement so it can reach the AC’s receiver, and follow the hardware documentation for your chosen components. Do not treat a project video as a verified wiring recipe for different hardware.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MLX90614ESF-BAA-000-TU-ND non-contact infrared thermometer for Arduino, or any microcontroller that can communicate with it through it's I2C interface.
- This sensor comes with a breakout board with all of the components needed for operation and two types of pins.
- There are two solder jumpers for the I2C interface that may or may not need to be soldered depending on your application, but will not for most uses.
- MLX90614 GY-906 Sensor Module Non-contact Infrared Temperature IR IIC I2C Interface MLX90614ESF-BAA For Arduino
- MLX90614 Sensor Module Non-contact Infrared Temperature Sensor IR IIC I2C Interface MLX90614ESF-BAA For Raspberry Pi ESP32 ESP8266 Arduino Temperature Sensor MLX90614 BAA
Rank #4
- Dual-Function IR & WiFi: This ESP-12F board combines 38kHz infrared emission and reception with 802.11b/g/n WiFi, enabling wireless relay of NEC-format remote signals across rooms via UDP.
- Plug-and-Play Type-C Interface: Reversible 5V Type-C port ensures stable power and fast data sync, simplifying connections with modern laptops, hubs, or power adapters for rapid prototyping.
- Universal Development Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Arduino, ESP-IDF, and other IDEs, offering a low-cost SoC solution for custom smart home automation, IR blasters, or signal repeaters.
- Compact & Lightweight Build: At just 33x33mm and 10g, this ultra-small board fits easily into tight enclosures, wearable gadgets, or portable IoT nodes without adding bulk.
- Reliable 5-Meter IR Range: With a robust 38kHz carrier and sensitive receiver, it captures and retransmits remote commands effectively, ideal for whole-home IR control setups.
Decide whether this approach fits your use
- It fits when: the exact AC protocol is supported, the AC can receive IR commands from the transmitter’s location, and command-based control is acceptable.
- Plan for limitations when: you need reliable confirmation of the AC’s actual state, want to use the original remote alongside automations, or require climate controls that the selected integration may not expose.
- Before assembly: verify protocol compatibility, decide whether a receiver or temperature sensor serves a real need, and confirm the electrical and placement requirements for the exact components.
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