iHome SmartPlug isn't working properly

[StupendousMan]

My wife purchased an iHome SmartPlug and is trying to use it to control an ordinary window air conditioner. She's trying to set up a rule that causes the unit to turn on at a specified time (say, 10 AM) and then turn off later (say, 4 PM).

Unfortunately, despite following all the instructions and creating rules, the air conditioner isn't turning on (or off) at the specified times.

If someone out there has experience with these devices, we'd appreciate tips or hints very much.

 

[jayhoz]

I'm guessing the problem isn't with the iHome. Unless your AC has a hard switch, it won't just come on when power is supplied. If you unplug the AC and then plug it into a normal outlet does it turn on by itself, or do you then have to push a button on the AC to get it going?

 

[StupendousMan]

Thanks for the reply. That's a good suggestion -- some devices really do require one to push a button to start.

However, I don't think that's the problem with this air conditioner. We verified that she could use the iHome software to start and stop the air conditioner manually; in fact, she was in a nearby coffeeshop with her computer, and I was home to watch. The machine turned on and off as she commanded it.

We just can't figure out how to get the "timed on/timed off" function to work properly.