So, you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of smart home tech, but you don’t want to blow your entire savings on gadgets that make you feel like you’re living in a futuristic sci-fi movie—minus the flying cars. The good news is, not all smart home devices are created equal, and some can actually save you money in the long run. Let’s break down which investments are worth it, both for convenience and long-term savings. Spoiler alert: not everything needs to talk to you.

1. Smart Thermostats: The Overachievers

If you’re only going to make one smart home upgrade, a smart thermostat is the golden child of tech investments. These devices adjust your home’s temperature based on when you’re around, and when you’re not (so no more cooling an empty house while you’re at work).

The ROI: The Department of Energy estimates that properly using a programmable thermostat can save you about 10% annually on heating and cooling. Brands like Nest and Ecobee even learn your habits, so your home becomes a Goldilocks zone—never too hot, never too cold. Plus, you can control it from your phone, which is perfect for when you forget to turn off the AC after sprinting out the door.

Worth the Money? 100%. They save you cash on energy bills.

2. Smart Security Systems: Peace of Mind… and Possibly a Discount

Remember the days when you had to hire a security company, install cameras, and hope they remembered to do their job? Now, smart security systems like SimpliSafe let you monitor your home right from your phone. Whether it’s porch pirates, raccoons on the loose, or—you know—actual intruders, you’ll have 24/7 surveillance.

The ROI: In addition to keeping your packages safe, many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with security systems, so check with your provider. On top of that, the peace of mind alone is worth the cost (It’s also a great way to check in on your pets during the day).

Worth the Money? Yes, it doesn’t matter where you live or how safe you feel. Systems like SimpliSafe also provide integrated smoke detectors that will automatically call 911 when triggered.

3. Smart Lighting: Great for Ambience, Okay for Savings

Smart lighting, like Philips Hue or LIFX, allows you to control your home’s lighting from your phone, change colors to set the mood, and schedule when the lights come on. It’s pretty cool to turn your entire living room purple on a whim, but how much are you really saving?

The ROI: The actual money-saving part comes from using LED bulbs, which consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. But the real savings come when you program your lights to automatically turn off when not in use—no more lighting up empty rooms like a Broadway show.

Worth the Money? If you love techy convenience, then yes. If you’re looking for big savings, don’t expect them to be as dramatic as your color-changing light show.

4. Smart Plugs: An easy way to lower your energy use

Smart plugs like Wemo or Kasa are the entry-level investment for those skeptical about smart homes. These handy devices turn any standard appliance into a smart one. Want your coffee machine to start brewing as soon as your alarm goes off? Plug it into a smart plug. Want your Christmas tree to turn on at sunset? You get the idea.

The ROI: Smart plugs can save you money if you tend to leave things on when you’re not using them, like that slow cooker that’s making chili for no one. Plus, they’re usually very affordable (we’re talking under $20 per plug).

Worth the Money? Absolutely. They’re a small investment for big convenience—basically the gateway to a full smart home setup. We combine ours with OhmConnect to save even more.

5. Smart Sprinkler Systems: For the Water-Conscious Homeowner

If you have a lawn or garden, a smart sprinkler system might be your new best friend. Devices like Rachio monitor weather patterns and adjust your watering schedule so you’re not drenching your lawn during a downpour.

The ROI: These systems can save you up to 50% on your water bill, depending on your climate and water usage. Some municipalities even offer rebates for installing smart sprinklers, so you can double down on the savings.

Worth the Money? If you’re the kind of person who takes pride in their yard, yes. If you’re more of a “let the rain handle it” type, probably not. I’d recommend skipping and going full xeriscape to really save and be planet friendly.

What’s Not Worth the Splurge (Sorry, Smart Refrigerators)

While some smart home devices will save you money and make your life more convenient, others are just overpriced gimmicks. Here are a few that are cool but probably not worth it if you're looking for a good ROI:

• Smart refrigerators that text you when you're low on milk. Just open the door and check, it’s not that hard.

• Voice-activated microwaves because… who’s that lazy?

• Smart ovens that you can control from your phone. Unless you plan to start dinner while you're still at work, this one is more novelty than necessity.

The Bottom Line

Investing in smart home technology can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make life a little easier. But before you go all in, focus on the gadgets that offer real returns—like smart thermostats and security systems. If nothing else, you’ll feel like you’re living in the future, even if your fridge can’t order groceries for you. Yet.