How to Use a Universal Aircon Remote (Australia)

What is a universal aircon remote? 

Best Universal Aircon Remote Options in Australia 

Shortlist of widely available picks you can buy today, plus one-liners to help you choose: 

• Aircon Off Smart Remote — adds scheduling and temperature limiting to stop over-cooling/over-heating; sold at The Good Guys. Great for rentals and kids’ rooms.  
• AppliancePro Universal — broad AU brand compatibility; easy setup; widely stocked online at Harvey Norman.  
• K-100ES / Chunghop — budget universal with 1000+ codes and auto search; common on Bunnings Marketplace.  
• AC Ultra Plus — popular trade/specialist option with extensive AU code library; available from AUS Air Conditioners and HVAC wholesalers.  
• Jaycar AR1731 — easy-reading backlit LCD and clear programming steps with local support pages. 

Tip: Pick a model with a backlit display if you’ll use it in bedrooms or low light. One For All’s AC remote highlights backlighting as a key feature.  

How to Program a Universal Aircon Remote (Step-by-Step) 

Method 1 — Manual code entry 

1. Find your brand in the remote’s booklet or online code list. 
2. Enter the first 3–4-digit code for your brand using the keypad (often after pressing SELECT/SET). 
3. Point at the indoor head and press Power. 
4. If it works, test Mode, Temp, Fan, Swing; if not, try the next code for your brand. 
5. Write the working code on a small label inside the battery cover. 
   
   

Jaycar’s AR1731 guide uses this pattern and is a good reference if your remote looks similar.  

Method 2 — Increment/auto search 

1. Hold SELECT/SET for a few seconds to start scanning codes. 
2. Keep the remote aimed at the IR window on the indoor unit (line-of-sight). 
3. When the unit beeps or powers on, press OK/ENTER to lock that code. 
4. Test Power and key functions. If flaky, re-scan to the next code. 

This is exactly how many popular models (e.g., Jaycar AR1731, AC Ultra Plus) work. Slow down between attempts so you don’t skip the right code.  

Gotchas: IR requires line-of-sight; stand within 2–3 m for pairing; avoid bright sunlight directly on the receiver while scanning. If you’re unsure of codes or brand, auto-search is quickest.  

Pro tip: after pairing, stick a mini label with your brand + code inside the battery door so future resets are painless. 

Universal Aircon Remote Codes List 

Most brands have multiple codes. Work through them in order or use auto-search if none work: 

• Aircon Off  
• Reece  
• AC Ultra Plus  
• Remotec ZXT-120  

Models vary by year and region. If the first working code behaves oddly (wrong modes/fan), try the next code family.  

Universal Aircon Remote for Split Systems 

Universal remotes generally work with wall-mounted reverse-cycle splits because the indoor head has an IR receiver. Common Australian brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Panasonic, LG, Samsung and Kelvinator are covered by most AU code libraries and products. If you run ducted or a system that uses a wired wall controller, you may need a different interface or a smart IR gateway placed in line of sight of the return grille. 

Universal Aircon Remote Setup — First-time Checklist 

• Batteries: fresh and oriented correctly. 
• Distance: pair within 2–3 m, pointed at the indoor IR window. 
• Mode: choose Cool in summer, Heat in winter, or Auto. 
• Temperature: start 25–27 °C for cooling; 18–20 °C for heating. Each extra degree of cooling/heating can add ~5–10% to energy use. Energy Australia+2Energy Australia+2 
• Fan: Auto is fine to start; use higher fan for faster changes. 
• Swing/Louvre: set to spread air across the room. 
• Timer/Schedule: set sleep and away timers to avoid running all night/day. 

Common Button Labels (your remote may differ): 

Consider a backlit model for bedrooms; One For All and Jaycar listings call this out as a benefit.

Universal Aircon Remote Not Working? Troubleshooting 

• No response at all: wrong code or poor aim. Try the next code or use auto-scan; stand closer and ensure clear line-of-sight.  
• Unit beeps but doesn’t change: you may be sending Heat when you’re expecting Cool (or vice-versa), or the set temperature is already met. Change Mode and lower/raise the setpoint by a few degrees.  
• Intermittent control: replace batteries, wipe dust from the indoor unit’s IR window, reduce direct sunlight on the receiver, and press buttons a little slower during scans. 
• Everything reset after a battery change: re-enter the code (that’s why the label trick helps). 
• Nothing works, even the original remote: the AC’s IR receiver or control board may be faulty—time to book a technician. 

If you give up on universal, you can often buy brand-specific replacements (e.g., via Bunnings Marketplace or brand parts stores).  

Where to Buy a Universal Aircon Remote Online in Australia 

• Jaycar — tech support pages and downloadable manuals; look for the AR1731.  
• The Good Guys — Aircon Off Smart Remote for scheduling and temperature limits. 
• Harvey Norman — AppliancePro Universal remote; wide AU compatibility.  
• Bunnings (Marketplace) — budget K-100ES/Chunghop and similar “1000-in-1” models.  
• AUS Air Conditioners / ACD Trade — AC Ultra Plus with extensive AU brand codes and quick setup.  

Smart IR Hubs vs Handheld Remotes 

Smart IR hubs like Sensibo Sky or SwitchBot Hub 2 add app control, geofencing, voice assistants and richer scheduling. They sit in line-of-sight of the indoor head and “pretend” to be your remote. Great if you want automation and remote access.  

Handheld universals are cheaper, no Wi-Fi required, and perfect as everyday replacements.  

Safety, Efficiency & Comfort Tips 

• Use timers/schedules to avoid running the unit all night/day. 
• In summer, set 25–27 °C; in winter, set 18–20 °C. Each extra degree of cooling/heating typically adds ~5–10% to energy use.  
• Close doors and curtains when running the AC; it helps the unit reach setpoint faster and run less.  
• When buying or replacing a unit, compare the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) for your climate band (HOT/AVERAGE/COLD) and check the noise icons for indoor/outdoor placement.  

When to Call a Professional 

If you’ve cycled all codes, tried auto-search, and neither the universal nor the original remote works, the issue is likely the IR receiver or control electronics inside the AC. Book a service visit. 

Need help with remotes or a new split system? 

My Airconditioning Mate offers fixed, upfront pricing for supply-and-install or install-only split systems. Licensed, insured techs can pair your universal remote on the day, remove old units, and leave everything tidy. Book online in minutes.