

ControlsĪs with any smart gadget, a smart sprinkler controller offers several ways you can communicate with the system. According to the EPA, consumers have saved approximately $32.6 billion in water and energy bills since the program’s inception in 2006.

A certified WaterSense smart sprinkler system sweetens the deal by monitoring local watering ordinances in low-precipitation areas to ensure that homeowners avoid fines for violating water usage rules. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), products that are proven to conserve water, energy, and money by a certified third-party testing agency are eligible to receive the WaterSense label. Use the designated app to connect the installed system to your WiFi and you’re ready to go. With these models, the transformer rests inside a weather-resistant housing and is hardwired into your home’s electrical system.

Outdoor-mounted sprinkler systems are built to withstand the elements. Indoor systems have a plug-in cord with an external transformer that needs to operate from a sheltered area away from the weather, like in a garage or shed, or on a covered patio. Most have controllers for indoor or outdoor mounting.
#Orbit sprinkler controller install
Ease of Installationĭesigned to replace your wired in-ground sprinkler system, smart systems are relatively easy to install as long as they’re properly located. Make a rough diagram of your landscape, numbering each section with its corresponding zone until you’ve tested your entire landscape. When a zone is activated, the sprinkler heads in only that area will emit water. You also can run a test on your system that will cycle through each zone. To determine your current number of zones, remove the control panel on your existing system to see which zones have been wired into the system. If you think you’ll be adding zones in the future, select a controller with more zones than you currently have. The right controller for your landscape should be able to power at least as many zones as you have on your property. Each zone has sprinkler heads and underground pipework containing valves that open and close when triggered by the smart sprinkler controller. Most smart systems can control two to 16 zones. The bigger the property, the more watering zones or stations it will have. Sprinkler control systems operate in zones. Like your smartphone or smart thermostat, the smart sprinkler controller needs access to your home’s WiFi network so it can access weather reports and analyze precipitation data to determine when and how often to open the sprinkler valves. The controllers do not work well with battery-powered systems or hose timers. You’ll need to plug the system control into an outlet or have it hardwired into your electrical system. Smart sprinkler controllers usually install easily and jibe with existing in-ground wired sprinkler systems, as long as they are attached to an AC power supply. Photo: Key Shopping Considerations for Sprinkler Controllers Compatibility with Sprinkler Parts BEST UPGRADE: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller.BEST VALUE: Blossom Wi-Fi Smart Water Controller.RUNNER UP: Netro Smart Sprinkler Controller.BEST OVERALL: Orbit B-hyve Smart Sprinkler Controller.Start your shopping by weighing these important features, then see which models make our list of recommendations for maintaining a smart and lush lawn and garden. If you’re looking to simplify your routine and save water, this smart gadget may just be for you. Not only does a sprinkler control system save you time, but it also can save you money by conserving water, which is especially important in drought-prone areas. The best sprinkler controller options even consider weather reports and adjust the schedule based on current or expected precipitation. Modern irrigation systems allow you to customize when, where, and how often you water. With these intuitive controls, watering is as easy as pressing a button on your phone or tablet from the comfort of your recliner. Schedules can certainly be helpful for busy or forgetful homeowners, but today’s technology has increased efficiency and ease of operation through the introduction of smarter sprinkler control systems. In the past, those irrigation systems have often been controlled by old-school plastic timers and dials that keep them on a schedule no matter the weather. You’ve likely seen pop-up sprinkler heads watering a lawn or garden bed during heavy rainfall. Smart sprinkler controllers take the guesswork out of watering the lawn and garden, freeing up time for more pressing homeowner matters. When life gets busy, lawn maintenance is just one more thing on the laundry list of to-dos we often struggle to squeeze into our day.
