GE has a new HomeKit-enabled single-room air conditioner available for purchase, which is the first HomeKit-compatible GE product that's launched so far.
The GE Energy Star 115 Volt Electronic Room Air Conditioner (model number AHP08LX) can be purchased exclusively from Lowe's for $319. Though Lowe's is charging $319, the GE site says the MSRP for the device is $269, so it may be prudent to wait for a sale.
According to GE, the Window Air Conditioner offers 8,000 BTUs sufficient for cooling medium-sized rooms of 250 to 350 square feet. It comes equipped with a WiFi Connect feature, designed to allow the unit to be controlled via a smartphone.
WiFi Connect supports HomeKit, allowing the device to be monitored and accessed through the dedicated Apple Home app and through Siri commands. HomeKit compatibility also lets it be incorporated into scenes and automations.
There are few HomeKit-enabled air conditioning units on the market at this point in time, with the only other HomeKit air conditioner available from Haier in a limited number of markets.
Top Rated Comments
2 Pictures from Lowe’s main product page and then their spec page. Then 2 from ge main produce page, then spec sheet
In the end, as I said before, you'll easily make up the price difference in a single summer compared to a conventional unit and won't have to go through the hassle of finding a HomeKit plug and losing remote control of temp and fan speed. Often it's worth spending a bit more money to get a better solution and one that's easier to use.
It's not an obsession with America, it's something that happens in more developed countries in general. If you can afford air conditioning to feel comfortable indoors, why should you have to suffer?
[doublepost=1524517212][/doublepost] Yeah, but the brands are separate.