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How to Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System: Tips for Houston Properties

5 Minute Read

As a property manager or HOA board member in Houston, you know all too well the significant costs and stress associated with maintaining an efficient irrigation system.

Water bills can skyrocket due to inefficient systems, and the health of your landscape can suffer from over or under-watering, leading to costly plant replacements and increased maintenance. The burden of these expenses, combined with the pressure to keep properties looking their best, can be overwhelming.

However, there is a solution that can alleviate much of this stress: upgrading to a smart irrigation system. 

Let’s explore the importance of efficient irrigation in Houston, the benefits of upgrading, and how to make the transition smoothly with the help of expert irrigation services. 

By understanding these key aspects, you can make informed decisions that will benefit your property and reduce the stress of irrigation management.

The Importance of Efficient Irrigation in Houston

Effectively operating irrigation systems in Houston, TX is crucial for commercial property managers and HOA board members aiming to save money and maintain aesthetic appeal. Inefficient irrigation leads to significant water waste, driving up utility costs unnecessarily. Moreover, over or under-watering can damage plant health, leading to expensive plant replacements and increased landscape maintenance expenses. 

irrigation technician adjusts sprinkler system spray heads

A well-maintained irrigation system ensures lush, healthy landscapes, enhancing both property value and curb appeal. By investing in proper irrigation management, property managers and HOA boards can reduce water bills, lower maintenance costs, and create a vibrant, inviting environment for visitors or residents.

The Benefits of Upgrading a Sprinkler System

Upgrading an old sprinkler system to a new smart irrigation system offers numerous benefits for commercial properties and HOA boards, making it a wise investment for optimizing resources and enhancing property appeal. Smart irrigation systems are designed to use water more efficiently, adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions, soil moisture, and plant needs. 

This precision reduces water waste and significantly lowers utility bills, contributing to long-term savings. Additionally, these systems often come with advanced leak detection and reporting features, allowing for easier repairs and preventing costly damage.

irrigation technican adjusts sprinkler system on ipad

Another significant advantage of upgrading a sprinkler system is the ease of management for busy HOA board members or property managers. Smart irrigation systems can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps or web interfaces, providing real-time updates and allowing for quick adjustments without the need for on-site visits. 

This is particularly beneficial for those managing large properties or multiple sites. Smart irrigation also contributes to sustainable landscaping practices, enhancing the property’s environmental footprint, which can be a strong selling point for residents and potential clients.

Beyond the financial and operational benefits, a well-maintained and smart watered landscape boosts curb appeal, creating a more attractive and inviting environment. This can enhance property values and improve the satisfaction of residents, employees and tenants alike. By upgrading to a smart irrigation system, you invest in a cost-effective solution but also in the overall health and beauty of your landscape.

How to Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation System? Begin by Assessing Your Current System

The first step in upgrading a sprinkler system is assessing your current irrigation setup. While nearly all systems can benefit from being converted to smart irrigation, it’s crucial to consult with your commercial landscape team to determine if the upgrade will offer a sufficient return on investment. 

irrigation technician inspects current sprinkler controller

Smart irrigation systems come with a monthly subscription fee, but if the water savings offset this cost (and typically exceeds it), the decision to upgrade is obvious.

At Monarch Landscape Management, we consistently observe water savings ranging from 20-50% in commercial properties that transition to the Weathermatic Smart Irrigation platform. These savings not only cover the subscription costs but also contribute to significant long-term financial benefits.

Sprinkler System Upgrade: Installation & Set-Up

As a property manager or HOA board member, you might be concerned about the difficulty and disruption of installing a new irrigation system. Fortunately, the installation process is straightforward. Irrigation technicians will replace the old controller with a new Weathermatic controller, along with its weather station and aircard for cellular communications typically at no upfront cost.  

Once the system is installed and online, irrigation experts input the necessary data such as sprinkler head type, planting type, soil type, and slope. The controller then automatically adjusts run times based on this data and current weather patterns.

irrigation technician operates sprinkler system near playground at HOA

At Monarch Landscape Management, we recognize that property managers and HOA teams already hold many responsibilities. The Weathermatic controller requires extensive training to operate and fully understand all components, which is why our irrigation technicians handle all set up and system operations. 

Our team receives daily system alerts to identify any issue with the controller, allowing us to address
them promptly. This means the worry and stress associated with managing irrigation in Houston can be transferred to our experts, ensuring your landscape remains well-maintained without adding to your workload.

After Your Sprinkler System Upgrade: Maintenance & Inspections

Once your sprinkler system controller has been upgraded, no additional maintenance is required. At Monarch, we partner with Weathermatic because they offer a lifetime equipment protection warranty as long as our experts manage the system. If the controller or weather station breaks or becomes faulty, our team will replace the equipment at no cost to you.

irrigation technician adjusts sprinkler head

For all commercial properties, we recommend a full irrigation system inspection once per month. This proactive approach helps identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems. 

While upgrading to a Weathermatic controller significantly reduces water waste and provides numerous other benefits, it does not eliminate the need for common wear and tear repairs, such as replacing a broken sprinkler head. Regular inspections ensure your entire system remains in optimal condition.

Choosing Commercial Irrigation Services in Houston, TX

Navigating the complexities and costs of maintaining an efficient irrigation system can be daunting. However, upgrading to a smart irrigation system offers a transformative solution. By adopting this technology, you can achieve substantial water savings, reduce utility bills, and enjoy a more manageable and effective irrigation process.

At Monarch Landscape Management, we understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to making the transition to smart irrigation seamless and beneficial. Our expertise ensures that your irrigation system operates at peak efficiency, delivering both financial savings and a beautifully maintained property. With smart irrigation, you not only invest in cutting-edge technology but also the long-term health and appeal of your landscape. 

Ready to take the first step towards a smarter, more efficient irrigation solution today? Start by filling out our contact form

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Written By: Monarch Landscape Management

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1850 Hollister St.
Houston, Texas 77080
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