(NBC News) As the temperatures rise, so can the utility bills. That makes getting a smart device for your home a smart decision for your wallet.
"If there's one thing you should buy to save money, especially over the summer, it's a smart thermostat. And luckily smart thermostats have come down in price quite a bit," says CNET's Sharon Profis.
CNET recommends the "Nest Thermostat E" for about $169, it learns your routines to adjust to when you're at home and you can also control it remotely if you go out of town.
Another way to save money and cool down your house without using your HVAC system is with smart shades like the Lutron Serena Shades, which can be automatically closed during the hottest parts of the day when they're connected to a smart thermostat.
If the water bill is also sky high, the Rachio smart sprinkler system can save up to 50% on watering costs with guided schedule creation and automatic weather adjustments.
It self regulates much like a smart thermostat, so you're never watering your lawn when it doesn't need it.
Many of these smart devices can also be linked to a voice assistant, acting as a hub to allow devices to work together in a routine.