What Is an AirTouch Controller and How Does It Work?
An AirTouch controller is a smart zone-control system made by Australian company Polyaire that sits on top of your existing ducted air conditioning system. Rather than replacing your ducted unit itself, it replaces the standard wall controller with a large HD touchscreen console and connects to your system through a wiring interface. From there, you get individual room control, per-zone temperature targets and full remote access through a smartphone app.
The core idea is straightforward. Your ducted system still does the heating and cooling, but the AirTouch takes over how that conditioned air is distributed. It opens and closes motorised dampers in each zone, reads temperature data from sensors around the home and adjusts airflow accordingly. The result is a much smarter system than the basic on/off zone switches most ducted setups ship with.
Polyaire currently offers the AirTouch 5 as its flagship model, with the AirTouch 4 still available as a more affordable entry point. Both are compatible with most major ducted reverse cycle brands sold in Australia.
Key takeaways
- An AirTouch controller is a smart retrofit that adds zone control and remote access to your existing ducted system.
- The AirTouch 5 offers geofencing, energy monitoring and voice control, while the AirTouch 4 provides solid zone control at a lower price.
- Savings of up to 30% on running costs are possible by closing off unused rooms and letting the system focus on occupied zones.
Key Features of the AirTouch Controller
The AirTouch 5 packs a serious amount of functionality into what is essentially a retrofit upgrade for your existing ducted system. Below is a quick overview of what you get across the main feature areas.
| Feature | What It Does for You | AirTouch 5 | AirTouch 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall console | Main control panel in your home | 8-inch HD touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen |
| Zone control | Open/close dampers per room | Up to 16 zones, 2 AC units | Up to 16 zones, 1 AC unit |
| Smartphone app | Control from anywhere | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| Geofencing | Auto-adjusts when you leave or arrive | Yes | No |
| Wireless temperature sensors | Real per-room temperature data | Yes (sold separately) | Yes (sold separately) |
| Home temperature alerts | Notifies you if a room gets too hot or cold | Yes | Limited |
| Energy monitoring | Tracks usage and running costs | Yes | No |
| Voice control | Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa | Yes | No |
| Smart home integration | Works with broader home automation setups | Yes | Limited |
If you want the full smart home experience, the AirTouch 5 is the one to go for. The AirTouch 4 is a solid, more budget-friendly option if you mainly want better zone control and app access without the advanced automation features.
Zone Control: The Standout Feature
Zone control is the feature that makes the biggest practical difference to how your ducted system performs day to day. In simple terms, it lets you open or close the dampers feeding individual rooms and set a different target temperature for each zone. Bedrooms can sit at 20°C overnight while the living areas are closed off, or you can shut down the whole upstairs during the day when nobody is up there.
This is where the real energy savings come from. A standard ducted system conditions every room whether it is occupied or not. With the AirTouch managing your zones, you stop paying to cool or heat empty rooms. Polyaire claims savings of up to 30% on running costs, though your actual result will depend on your home layout and how consistently you use the zoning.
The system works even better when you add wireless temperature sensors to each zone. Without them, the AirTouch relies on a single return-air sensor to gauge the home's temperature, which is a rough average at best. The wireless sensors give the system real room-by-room data, so it can make smarter decisions about which zones need more airflow and which have already hit their target. The sensors are sold separately and are worth budgeting for if you want the full benefit of zone control.
App and Remote Access
The AirTouch app is available on both iOS and Android and gives you full control of your system from anywhere with an internet connection. You can turn zones on or off, adjust temperature targets, set weekly schedules and check what the system is doing in real time. It is the same level of control you have at the wall console, just on your phone.
Geofencing is one of the more useful features on the AirTouch 5. The app tracks your phone's location and can automatically switch the system into an energy-saving mode when you leave a set radius around your home, then bring it back to your preferred settings as you approach. For households where people come and go at irregular times, this removes the need to remember to adjust the system manually.
Temperature alerts are another practical addition. You can set upper and lower thresholds for any zone, and the app will notify you if a room goes outside that range. This is handy for homes with pets, wine cellars or any space where temperature matters even when you are not there.
For multi-storey homes, you can install additional wall consoles on different floors, all synced to the same AirTouch system. You get the convenience of a local controller on each level without any conflict between them.
AirTouch Controller Compatibility: Which Ducted Systems Does It Work With?
The AirTouch 5 is compatible with most major ducted reverse cycle brands sold in Australia, including Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Panasonic and Samsung. Compatibility is handled through a wiring interface that connects the AirTouch to your ducted unit's control board, so as long as your system is supported, the upgrade is straightforward for a licensed installer.
That said, compatibility depends on the specific model, not just the brand. Not every unit in a manufacturer's range will work with AirTouch, and older systems can be hit or miss. Before you commit to purchasing an AirTouch controller, confirm with your installer that your exact ducted unit is on Polyaire's compatibility list. This is especially worth checking if you have an older system or a less common model.
AirTouch is most commonly added at the time of a new ducted system installation. This is the tidiest approach because the installer can run all the wiring and set up the zones in one visit, which also tends to keep labour costs down. Retrofitting AirTouch to an existing system is possible on many compatible units, but it does require a return visit and additional wiring work, so the overall cost is usually higher.
If you are shopping for a new ducted system to pair with an AirTouch controller, Oz Air Online stocks a range of compatible units. The Daikin 10kW Inverter Ducted Air Conditioner FDYAN100 (from $4,138) is a popular mid-range option suited to homes of around 100 to 150 square metres. For larger homes, the Daikin 12.5kW Inverter Ducted Air Conditioner FDYAN125 (from $4,761) steps up the capacity without changing the installation footprint. Fujitsu is another strong option, and the Fujitsu 10kW Inverter Ducted Air Conditioner System SET-ARTH36KHTA (from $3,620) offers a competitive entry point at the 10kW mark.
Browse our full range of ducted air conditioners to find a compatible system that suits your home's size and layout.
AirTouch Controller Cost: What Should You Budget?
Adding an AirTouch controller to a ducted system involves two main costs: the controller itself and professional installation. The table below gives a clear breakdown of what to expect, based on current market pricing across Australia.
| Product | Supply Cost (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AirTouch 4 | $700 to $900 | Entry-level model. Good zone control and app access. No geofencing or energy monitoring. |
| AirTouch 5 | $1,100 to $1,400 | Flagship model. Full smart home features, 8-inch HD touchscreen, supports two AC units. |
| Professional Installation | $200 to $500 | Varies by system complexity, number of zones and installer. Retrofits typically sit at the higher end. |
On top of those figures, wireless temperature sensors are an optional but worthwhile extra. Each sensor costs roughly $80 to $120, and you will want one per zone to get the most out of the system's per-room temperature control. For a home with six zones, budget an additional $480 to $720 for sensors alone.
These are indicative market prices. Oz Air Online does not currently stock AirTouch controllers directly, so the best approach is to get a quote from a licensed installer who supplies and fits the unit as a package. Many installers will bundle the controller, sensors and labour into a single price, which can make it easier to compare quotes.
One practical tip: if you are also buying a new ducted system, adding AirTouch at the same time almost always works out cheaper than coming back to retrofit it later. The installer is already on site, the wiring is fresh and the zones can be configured from scratch. Retrofitting means a second visit, potentially more complex wiring and higher labour costs overall.
For a broader picture of what a full ducted system installation costs in Australia, our ducted air conditioning cost guide covers everything from unit pricing through to installation and running costs.
Is the AirTouch Controller Worth It? Honest Pros and Cons
The AirTouch controller is worth it for homes with four or more zones, families with varied daily schedules, or anyone who wants genuine whole-home smart control over their ducted system. For smaller homes or simpler needs, a standard zone controller will do the job at a fraction of the cost. Here is an honest look at both sides.
What the AirTouch Gets Right
- Real energy savings from zone control. Closing off unused rooms and letting the system focus on occupied zones is where the running cost reductions actually come from. The more zones you have and the more consistently you use them, the faster the controller pays for itself.
- Geofencing that actually works. The AirTouch 5's location-based automation removes the need to remember to adjust the system every time you leave or come home. For busy households, this alone can prevent a lot of wasted running time.
- A genuinely good app. The AirTouch app is well-designed and reliable. Full control from anywhere, weekly scheduling and real-time zone data are all there without needing to dig through menus.
- Works with most major brands. Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic and others are all supported, so you are not locked into a single manufacturer's ecosystem.
- Adds value to the home. A smart ducted system is a genuine selling point. Buyers notice it, and it can support a higher asking price compared to a basic zone setup.
- Wireless sensors give accurate room data. Rather than guessing from a single return-air reading, the system gets real per-room temperatures and can make smarter airflow decisions as a result.
- Voice control is a handy bonus. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support on the AirTouch 5 is not the main reason to buy it, but it is a nice addition if you already use smart speakers around the home.
Where You Need to Be Realistic
- The upfront cost is not trivial. All-in, you are looking at $1,000 to $2,000 once you factor in the controller, installation and wireless sensors. That is a real outlay, and the payback period depends heavily on how much you use the zoning.
- Professional installation is required. This is not a DIY product. You need a licensed installer, which adds cost and means booking a tradesperson.
- Compatibility must be confirmed per model. Brand-level compatibility is not enough. Your specific ducted unit needs to be on Polyaire's list before you commit to buying.
- Wireless sensors are an extra cost. They are worth having, but at $80 to $120 each, a six-zone home adds another $480 to $720 on top of the controller price.
- Savings depend on your habits. If you tend to run the whole house anyway, or you only have two or three zones, the efficiency gains will be modest and the payback timeline stretches out considerably.
The honest verdict: AirTouch is a well-justified upgrade for larger homes with multiple zones and households where people are in different rooms at different times. If that sounds like your home, the running cost savings and comfort improvements are real. If you have a small home with two zones and a predictable routine, a simpler zone controller will serve you just as well for a lot less money.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ducted System?
The AirTouch controller is a well-built, feature-rich upgrade that genuinely improves comfort and can reduce running costs for larger ducted systems. The app is excellent, the zone control is practical and the geofencing on the AirTouch 5 takes a lot of the manual effort out of managing your home's climate.
That said, the controller is only as good as the system underneath it. If you are planning a new ducted installation or replacing an ageing unit, getting the right system in place first is the most important decision you will make. Oz Air Online stocks a wide range of ducted systems from Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi Electric and more, all at competitive prices with nationwide delivery.
Browse our range of ducted air conditioners to find a system that suits your home's size, layout and budget. If you are still in the planning stage and want a clearer picture of what a full ducted installation will cost, our ducted air conditioning cost guide covers unit pricing, installation and running costs in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AirTouch cost?
AirTouch 4 typically costs between $700 and $900 for the unit alone, while AirTouch 5 runs $1,100 to $1,400. Add professional installation of $200 to $500 on top of that, plus optional wireless temperature sensors at around $80 to $120 each. Prices vary by installer and region, so getting a quote at the time of a new ducted system install is usually the most cost-effective approach.
Is AirTouch worth it?
AirTouch is worth it for most homes with a ducted system and four or more zones. The energy savings from smart zone control and geofencing can offset the upfront cost over time, and the remote access and improved comfort add genuine day-to-day value. For smaller homes with only two or three zones, a standard zone controller may be a more cost-effective choice.
How do I control my AirTouch 5 remotely?
You control your AirTouch 5 remotely through the AirTouch 5 app, available on both iOS and Android, from anywhere with an internet connection. The app lets you turn the system on or off, adjust temperature, open or close individual zones and set schedules. Geofencing can automate all of this so the system responds when you leave or arrive home without any manual input.
What is the difference between AirTouch 2 and AirTouch 5?
AirTouch 5 is a significant generational upgrade over the AirTouch 2. It features a larger 8-inch HD touchscreen, supports control of two independent AC units (versus one on the AirTouch 2), offers improved app functionality, better smart home integration with voice control, and supports more zones. AirTouch 2 is largely discontinued, with most installers now offering AirTouch 4 or AirTouch 5. If you are buying new, opt for AirTouch 5 for future-proofing.