Last Update on November 4, 2016 // Written by Hank No Comments

High-tech smart devices for your home often have a higher upfront cost than "dumb devices." Over time, though, some smart devices can help you save money to offset their higher prices. If you want to add smart technology to your home and save money, you should start with these three devices.

However, smart devices come with their own set of complexities with respect to the installation and set-up. Most such devices come with manuals that explain how to go about making your home 'smarter'. But, in case you find yourself lost or do not want to risk handling the electric systems on your own, consider reaching out to services like Mitchell Electric (https://mitchellelectric.com/service-areas/south-sioux-city/) who can educate you on new technology and maybe help set them up as well.

Philips Hue Lights

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Image via Flickr by shokai

Philips Hue smart light bulbs put you in complete control of your home's lighting. After installing the bulbs and downloading the Hue app, you can choose from over 16 million colors of light. With the ability to change color and brightness, you can set the right mood for any occasion, including large parties and romantic dinners at home.

Hue also lets you create an automated schedule so the lights will turn themselves off after you go to work and then turn themselves back on just before you return home. Light automation also comes in handy when you're out of town. When potential burglars see light activity in your house, they're likely to move on to less intimidating targets.

Philips Hue helps you save money by drawing less power than incandescent bulbs. There is a caveat, though. The lights stay connected to your home network when you use the app to turn them off. For the most savings, you should turn them off manually. You can always keep the lights connected when needed, but they will use a small amount of electricity.

Wi-Fi Thermostat

Installing a Wi-Fi thermostat is one of the most effective ways to reduce your home's energy use. Wi-Fi thermostats give you complete control over your home's temperature. Many designs will also improve your comfort and your home's indoor air quality by adjusting humidity and ventilation settings. When your thermostat manages so many aspects, you can keep your home comfortable without using more electricity or natural gas than necessary.

A Wi-Fi thermostat will also help you lower monthly bills by letting you adjust the settings when you're away from the house. If you forget to adjust the temperature before going to work or running errands, you can change your home's temperature with your smartphone.

Many Wi-Fi thermostats also send you alerts when they need maintenance. By replacing filters or having a professional perform preventive maintenance, you avoid costly repairs and lengthen your HVAC system's life.

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

Smart sprinkler controllers can save you money. What's more important, though, is that they conserve water during droughts. With the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, you can keep your lawn and garden healthy without wasting resources or increasing your water bill.

Rachio saves water by automatically calculating how much water your plants need. After creating an accurate schedule, it can direct more water to plants that need it while decreasing water for plants that don't require much moisture. The system also communicates with weather forecasts so it doesn't water plants during rain. Like most smart devices, you can also use your smartphone to control Rachio's behaviors.

Some technology may seem expensive in the store, but purchasing the right devices will save you money over time. With these three designs, you'll improve your home while saving money.

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