8 Smart Home Upgrades That Save You Money

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Smart home is a term that's often used in 2025, but its meaning varies for each person. For some, it's simply a house with a high-end security system. For others, it's about acquiring every internet-connected device to enhance convenience. Regardless of where you stand, the market is full of technology promising to simplify life and reduce monthly expenses. However, the variety of options can be overwhelming, especially when considering that some smart home companies have been caught spying on users through cameras. This makes choosing the right gear a challenging task. That’s why we’ve researched the internet to find the eight best smart home upgrades that save money without compromising security.

Smart Bulbs

When smart bulbs first appeared in 2012, they were expensive, often costing at least $200 for a small kit. Thanks to technological advancements and increased competition, smart bulbs today are arguably the best home upgrade that saves cash. These devices replace traditional incandescent bulbs and can transform the look of a room from a sterile hospital vibe to something reminiscent of a '90s disco. The possibilities are endless since most bulbs can display over one million colors.

Beyond aesthetics, these bulbs have Wi-Fi connectivity and integrate directly with a smart home system, allowing control from anywhere in the world. You can set routines for when lights should turn on or configure them to work with motion sensors, lighting up only when someone is passing by. These features result in approximately 75% lower energy consumption.

One great option is the Wiz 60W A19 Color Smart LED Bulb, rated 4.3 stars and priced at $11 on Amazon. Users praise its easy setup and even light distribution throughout the room. It also includes a circadian-rhythm mode that adjusts the white balance based on the time of day. For larger areas, the Wyze Smart Bulb, priced at $23.99 for a two-pack on Amazon, is a good choice, offering up to 1,100 lumens and compatibility with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Smart Plugs

Changing all appliances at home to smarter alternatives can be costly, so smart plugs are an excellent solution. They are affordable, plug into existing sockets, and transform "dumb" devices into smart ones by connecting to the internet and allowing remote power control from anywhere in the world. If you forget to turn off the lamp before leaving home, you can turn it off remotely to prevent unnecessary power draw. Some plugs even connect with digital assistants and monitor how much energy an appliance is using. This can help identify devices that consume vampire power, which refers to the extra energy older appliances continue to draw even when not in use.

Choosing the right plug can be tricky, as the market offers various options catering to different needs. One top choice is the Kasa Ultra Mini, priced at $9.99 on Amazon. Its app is user-friendly and offers scheduling and automation modes. If aesthetics are a concern, smart home outlets like the Eve Energy outlet are an alternative. Priced at $54.95 on Amazon, it connects with all smart home ecosystems thanks to Matter and Thread support.

Smart Thermostats

Traditional thermostats operate strictly on user settings, either heating or cooling the room without question. While this method is effective, it's not entirely energy-efficient. According to a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, over half of U.S. households' energy consumption goes into managing temperatures. Investing in a smart thermostat can help save money, especially with the recent threat of AI increasing power bills.

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is a great option that allows remote temperature control, ensuring the heater doesn't waste energy if forgotten. It also monitors air quality and pauses heating or cooling if a door is left open for more than five minutes. Compatible with most smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings, it also doubles as a smart speaker. However, it costs $243.99 on Amazon. For a budget-friendly alternative, the Ecobee Essential Thermostat, priced at $139.99 on Amazon, retains necessary features like temperature control, touchscreen, and digital assistant support while omitting air quality monitoring and speaker capabilities.

Smart Leak Sensors

Tap water in the U.S. costs money, and the price varies by city. Preventing leaks can be a great way to save cash, as small leaks can cause significant damage. U.S. households waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Smart leak sensors solve this issue by monitoring water usage and detecting leaks in appliances like dishwashers, toilets, and heaters. They can send alerts to your phone for quick fixes.

The First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak Sensor, priced at $72.69 on Home Depot, is a reliable option that detects even the smallest leaks quickly. It covers up to 500 feet using extension cables and monitors pipe freezing. While it doesn't work with smart home platforms, its app is simple to use. For comprehensive water usage monitoring, the Flo by Moen system is ideal, generating reports on consumption and alerting potential leaks. It requires professional installation and costs $581.99 on Amazon.

Smart Sprinkler System

Maintaining a lawn involves watering, and a smart sprinkler system offers flexibility by monitoring weather data and in-ground moisture sensors to determine when and how much to spray. Most systems sync with mobile devices, allowing you to schedule sprinklers during off-peak hours to save money.

The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, priced at $199 on Amazon, offers features like scheduling based on seasons and weather conditions. Real users say the setup is easy, and the app can configure multiple zones. It works with voice assistants like Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. For a budget-friendly option, the Orbit Smart Indoor Sprinkler Controller, priced at $111.79 on Amazon, automatically waters the lawn by monitoring weather reports and integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Smart Home Security Systems

Smart home security systems protect homes from theft and vandalism by continuously monitoring surroundings. They can also reduce insurance bills, as providers often offer discounts for installed systems. Some have even offered reduced premiums, typically ranging from 2% to 9%.

The SimpliSafe Smart Security System, priced at $239.99 on Amazon, is a good choice due to its easy setup and optional monitoring plan. It includes a base station, outdoor camera, keypad, entry sensors, and motion sensor. However, it has limited integration with other smart home platforms. The Abode Iota All-In-One Security Kit, priced at $249 on Amazon, is compatible with up to 160 smart devices and supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT.

Smart Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are essential for alerting people about potential fires and saving lives. Smart smoke detectors add the convenience of alerting phones in emergencies, which is crucial when not at home. Some can even work with other smart devices to call for faster rescue services and adjust ventilation systems.

The Kidde Smart Smoke Detector, priced at $74.97 on Amazon, detects both slow- and fast-burning fires and monitors carbon monoxide levels. Reviews say the alarm effectively differentiates between cooking smoke and real danger. For Ring users, there's a Ring-compatible version that connects to professional monitors who notify the fire department. The First Alert SC5 Smoke Detector system, priced at $129.99 on Amazon, tracks both smoke and carbon monoxide and has a reliable alerting system, according to reviews.

Smart Appliances

Smart appliances like fridges or washing machines seem costly on paper, but newer models can save money in the long run. They have better energy ratings and can reduce electricity costs. Smart fridges track inventory, notify when supplies are low, and alert when produce is about to expire. Smart washing machines track energy and water usage, generate reports, and can run during off-peak hours.

Samsung and LG washing machines consistently rank at the top for reliability, cleaning experience, and smart home ecosystem integration. Investing in newer appliances can prevent food spoilage and reduce waste, benefiting your wallet.