Moving an Air Conditioner's Remote Control on Shabbos
Question
Is it permitted to move a remote control on Shabbos from one room to another in order that it turn on the air conditioner in the other room? And what is the ruling concerning placing the remote control in a cabinet to prevent it from turning off the air conditioner?
Answer
Shalom!
These actions are 'indirect causation' and not a direct act.
In the first case, it is an indirect causation of a forbidden labor, and it is forbidden to do so unless it is for the sake of a mitzvah or to prevent a significant loss.
In the second case, it is an indirect causation to prevent labor from being performed and to maintain the current situation, and this is permitted.
Source
Remo commentary to the Shulchan Aruch, section Orach Chaim, chapter 334, §22.