Author: Ashley Eneriz / Source: Wise Bread
Summer heat is already in full effect, and you might already be sweating the bills that comes with keeping the house cool. While you want to save the most money possible this season, sometimes you have to invest money to save money in the long run. These home upgrades will cost you upfront, but will keep you cool and on budget for several summers to come.
(See also: 5 Things to Do Now to Prepare Your Home for Summer)1. Install a smart irrigation system
Using a smart irrigation system, like Rachio, helps your grass stay greener through the dryer months without costing you an arm and a leg. Smart irrigation systems connect to Wi-Fi to keep track of how wet the soil is and waters it on the smartest, money-saving schedule possible. They cost anywhere from $150–$250.
You can easily turn off your sprinklers, too, if you want to skip a watering, or if you know your kids are going to be engaging in water play outside. (See also: 34 Smart Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill)
2. Start using a smart thermostat
When smart thermostats, like Nest, first hit the market several years ago, they were initially seen as a luxury. Now that smart thermostats have been a proven way to save money and reduce energy usage, they are a must-have for every home. Smart thermostats cost anywhere from $100–$225, they learn your cooling and heating preferences when you’re home, and many connect through Wi-Fi so you can manage them when you’re away.
Check with your electric company to see if they offer any additional incentives for using a…
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