Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:20pm
Check out the https://www.ecosense.uk.com range. They do a remote battery operated sensor that works fine. Because it does not involve electrics or wiring into your unit in any way you can set it up yourself. They also have a range of replacement remote controls which allows you to restrict the temperature range of the units. Again there is NO electrical element to this, you program the new replacement remote control from your original remote. They provide step by step on-line video to show how to do this. It saves us a lot on electricity and a lot on wear and tear making the units last longer as well as saving money. Our air con service engineer said they are well worth having.
We have used the replacement remotes for several years now and no complaints from renters. Before changing to these remotes the renters would turn the units down to their lowest setting (16 degrees) and then use blankets to keep warm at night! Now they think they are setting them at the lowest setting of 18 degrees but in actual fact the units can't go below 20 degrees. We also removed the highest fan settings too by programming the remotes to stop at the next setting down.
We have a remote sensor in the lounge that shuts off the unit if no one is in the room after 30 minutes. We will probably get the night sensors for the bedrooms. They are not cheap but will pay for themselves over time.