Let’s be honest—summer in 2025 is shaping up to be another scorcher. Between sky-high energy bills and the constant hum of the AC, saving money during these months feels more like wishful thinking than reality. But that’s where home automation tools come in.
Thanks to smart home tech evolving at warp speed, it’s now easier than ever to control your energy usage, cut unnecessary costs, and still live comfortably—even during a heatwave. These home automation tools aren’t just futuristic gadgets—they’re practical money-savers that pay for themselves faster than you’d expect.
So if you’re ready to stop sweating both literally and financially, here are the best home automation tools of 2025 that’ll actually save you money this summer.
1. Smart Thermostats That Learn Your Habits
Leading the charge is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium (2025). This isn’t your basic “set-it-and-forget-it” device—it actively learns your habits, tracks room occupancy, and even pulls in weather data to optimize your cooling schedule. It adjusts itself automatically to avoid cooling an empty house while making sure you’re comfortable when you walk in the door.
The result? Less energy wasted, lower utility bills, and no need to micromanage the temperature. This alone can slash summer cooling costs by up to 20%.
2. Smart Plugs That Cut Phantom Power Drain
Yes, that toaster, fan, and second TV in the guest room are sucking up energy even when they’re off. Enter Kasa Smart Plugs with Energy Monitoring (2025 version). These plugs let you schedule power usage, monitor what’s hogging electricity, and shut things off remotely via your phone.
They’re ideal for seasonal gadgets—think fans, portable ACs, or even the bug zapper—allowing you to control when and how long each device runs. It’s a surprisingly simple way to shrink your electric bill without changing your habits.
3. Smart Blinds That Work With the Sun (Not Against It)
Let’s talk sunlight. It looks great in Instagram photos, but it turns your home into a sauna by noon. Automated smart blinds like the SwitchBot Blind Tilt (2025 edition) can open and close based on the time of day or room temperature. When synced with your smart thermostat, they help reduce how hard your AC has to work—naturally cooling your space without lifting a finger.
Bonus: They make you feel like you live in a high-end hotel.
4. Leak Detectors That Prevent Water Damage (and Massive Bills)
Summer heatwaves often lead to water usage spikes. Whether it’s watering the garden or filling up that inflatable pool, leaks can happen—fast. Moen’s Smart Water Detector (2025) sends alerts straight to your phone at the first sign of leaks under sinks, near washers, or anywhere water shouldn’t be.
Catching a leak early can save you hundreds—if not thousands—in water damage repair and waste. Not glamorous, but totally essential.
5. Energy-Monitoring Smart Meters That Track Real Savings
If you like seeing the receipts on your energy savings, install a whole-home energy monitor like the Sense Energy Monitor (2025 model). This device tracks every watt your home consumes, breaks it down by appliance, and gives you tips on how to optimize usage.
It’s like giving your home a financial audit—and it’s eye-opening. You’ll finally know what’s costing you the most and how to fix it.
Bonus Tip: Upgrade Dad’s Summer Too
While you’re automating your home and slashing those energy bills, don’t forget Father’s Day is right around the corner. If you’re looking for budget-friendly ideas that still feel high-tech, check out our roundup of the best tech gifts under $100 for dads. From smart chargers to noise-canceling earbuds, there’s something in there that’ll make Dad feel like a futuristic hero—without blowing your budget.
Final Thoughts: Let Your House Do the Saving for You
Home automation in 2025 isn’t just about convenience—it’s about smart, sustainable living. These tools offer more than just cool features. They actively help you reduce waste, lower your bills, and stay in control—even when the temperature outside is pushing triple digits.
So this summer, instead of sweating your next utility statement, let your smart home do the heavy lifting—and give your wallet a much-needed break.
About the Author: Bryan is a senior producer and a regular reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Washington D.C. and loves all things Tech.
