Aquanta

Aquanta is a retrofittable smart controller for electric and gas water heaters. Instead of replacing your existing tank with an expensive 'smart' water heater, you install this small device in about six steps and gain remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring. The hardware connects to your home WiFi and pairs with a mobile app, turning a dumb water heater into a connected one that can be managed from anywhere.

The controller learns your household's hot water patterns and automatically adjusts heating times so you always have hot water when you need it — and save energy when you don't. You can also set custom schedules, turn the heater on or off remotely, and check how much hot water is available. Safety features include automatic shutoff if the tank overheats and optional leak detection that sends an alert to your phone. The app shows energy usage trends over weeks and months, helping you track savings. Aquanta works with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT for voice commands and automation.

This is a straightforward product for anyone who wants the benefits of a smart water heater without the high cost. Homeowners with older tanks, renters who can't replace appliances, and anyone looking to cut energy bills will find it useful. The main trade-off is that it requires a bit of DIY installation and a stable WiFi connection. If you're comfortable with basic wiring and want to stop heating water when nobody's home, Aquanta does exactly that.