Smart Controller Upgrades
WiFi-enabled controllers with weather-based scheduling — manage your system from your phone.
Why Upgrade to a Smart Controller
Traditional irrigation timers run on fixed schedules regardless of weather — watering your lawn the same amount whether it rained yesterday or the forecast calls for a week of dry heat. Smart controllers connect to local weather data and automatically adjust watering schedules based on temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and soil moisture levels. This means your system waters more on hot, dry days and skips or reduces watering after rain. Most homeowners save 20 to 40 percent on water usage after upgrading, which typically pays for the controller within one to two seasons.
Features That Make a Difference
Modern smart controllers from brands like Rachio, Hunter Hydrawise, and Rain Bird offer WiFi connectivity, smartphone apps for remote control, and integration with weather services. You can start or stop any zone from your phone, receive push notifications for system alerts like broken heads or unusual flow readings, and review watering history and water usage reports. Many models also support voice control through Alexa and Google Home. For homeowners in Billerica, Lexington, Concord, and surrounding towns who travel frequently or simply want to set and forget their irrigation, smart controllers provide peace of mind that the system is running optimally without manual intervention.
Simple Installation, No Rewiring
Upgrading to a smart controller does not require any trenching, new wiring, or changes to your existing sprinkler heads and valves. The new controller replaces your existing timer at the same mounting location and connects to the same wires. Installation typically takes one to two hours. We handle the mounting, wiring, WiFi setup, app configuration, and initial programming of all zones. We also walk you through the app so you know how to adjust schedules, run manual cycles, and read system alerts. The investment is typically $200 to $500 for the controller plus installation.
What You Get
Typical cost: $200 - $500
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Smart controllers are compatible with virtually all residential and commercial irrigation systems. They connect to the same wires as your current timer and work with any brand of valves and sprinkler heads. If your current system has zones controlled by a timer, it can be upgraded to a smart controller.
The controller itself typically costs $150 to $350 depending on the brand and number of zones supported. Installation and programming by EMI Irrigation adds $50 to $150. Total investment is usually $200 to $500. Most homeowners recoup this cost within one to two seasons through water savings.
WiFi is required for weather-based adjustments and remote phone control. However, if your WiFi does not reach the controller location, we can help identify solutions like a WiFi range extender. Smart controllers also have a manual mode that works without WiFi as a backup.
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Get a free, no-obligation estimate for your property. We'll walk your yard, assess your needs, and give you an honest quote — no pressure, no games.
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