Over 9 billion gallons of water are appropriated for outdoor use, mainly landscape irrigation, every day. Nearly 50 percent of those 9 billion gallons are wasted due to overwatering, which is detrimental to your wallet and the environment. Thankfully, there is a smart solution to this problem: smart irrigation systems.
Smart irrigation systems tailor watering to the unique conditions of your environment. Unlike traditional irrigation systems that function on preset watering schedules, smart irrigation systems read weather, plant water use, soil conditions and even evaporation rates to determine the exact amount of water your lawn and plants need.
Making a smart irrigation controller part of your sprinkler system will help save you money and ensure that your yard gets the appropriate amount of water at all times. As your local experts for sprinkler system installation in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we’ve put together a list of our top picks for smart irrigation controllers to make choosing the right one for you a little easier.
Orbit B-Hyve
For a smart irrigation system that offers an excellent value, the Orbit B-Hyve may be right for you. This smart sprinkler system isn’t much different in appearance than its “non-smart” original version, but don’t let its looks fool you. Here are just some of the features you can expect from this smart controller:
- Live weather feed and auto-adjusting capabilities
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Complete control at the timer (even without Wi-Fi)
Bottom line, this controller combines the classic B-Hyve look with smart technology and an app that makes managing your sprinkler system a breeze.
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller 2nd Gen
If you are willing to invest a little more in your smart sprinkler system, you may be interested in the Rachio smart sprinkler controller. While the Rachio costs more than the B-Hyve, it offers a wider mix of scheduling options and smart features. Here’s some of what you can expect from the Rachio:
- Auto weather adjustments
- Wi-Fi connectivity (works with Echo, Nest, Wink and others)
- Get alerts when schedule changes
Compared to the B-Hyve, the Rachio is easier to use, even though it packs more technology. While the B-Hyve offers the greatest value, the Rachio offers the most “smarts.”
Lono
For an off-the-shelf smart sprinkler system, the Lono is your best choice. The Lono comes with an easy-to-use app that makes scheduling watering a breeze. However, unlike the other two controllers, the Lono does not have manual controls, and it has no web or Android interface. Here are a few of the Lono’s best features:
- Supports up to 20 zones
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Automatically adjusts your watering schedule based on current and upcoming weather
Because of its affordability and easy-to-use app, the Lono is the final top controller on our list.
Regardless of which smart controller you decide on, Spillers Sprinklers Inc. can help. As your experts in sprinkler system installation in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we make smart controllers a standard in our designs. To learn more about our services and sprinkler system features, call us today!