A timer runs the same program in a rainstorm and in a heat wave, so lawns are overwatered or stressed.
Irrigation play · Smart controller upgrades
Smart irrigation controller upgrade leads from homes still on a 20-year-old timer.
Old sprinkler timers water on a schedule, not on need. Spur finds homes with older systems and high water use, writes a card about savings and local rebates, and mails it with a QR code to book a controller install.
Free forever plan · No card · 20 property searches a month
USPSFirst-Class
Gordon Ito7312 Shadow Rock AveLas Vegas, NV 89128Scan to book a smart controller install
Gordon I. scanned your smart controller card · 3 min ago
AI-written for this owner · Mailed in 2 days
15,000 galsaved per year in an average home with a WaterSense controller
Built 1990–2012homes likely to have fixed-schedule timers
Rebatesmany utilities pay toward efficient controllers
The problem
Old timers waste water, and owners don't see it.
Owners notice higher summer bills but don't connect them to the sprinkler controller.
Utilities offer money for efficient controllers, but few owners know how to claim it.
How it works
From list to mailbox in one workflow.
Five steps from an old timer to a booked controller install.
app.usespur.com
See it in Spur
A controller upgrade list in Spur
Sample Las Vegas homes built 1995–2010 on lots over 0.15 acres. Names are partly masked.
Zip 89128Built 1995–2010Lot 0.15+ acOwner-occupiedValue $450K+
- Gordon I.7312 Shadow Rock AveBuilt 2000 · 0.2 acOwned 14 yrs
- Pauline & Rex M.7320 Shadow Rock AveBuilt 2000 · 0.18 acOwned 22 yrs
- Aliyah S.8105 Del Webb BlvdBuilt 1998 · 0.25 acOwned 9 yrs
- Tom & Carla Y.7510 Rampart LnBuilt 2006 · 0.22 acOwned 11 yrs
- Ivy F.7219 Desert Rose DrBuilt 2003 · 0.3 acOwner 68
AI draft for Gordon I. · 7312 Shadow Rock Ave
Hi Gordon,
Most homes built around 2000 have sprinkler timers that water on a fixed schedule, rain or shine. A smart controller adjusts to the weather, and a WaterSense-labeled one can save an average home about 15,000 gallons a year.
Many utilities offer rebates for the upgrade, and we'll handle the paperwork. We'll also check your zones while we're there.
Scan the code to book your install.
Nico Salgado · Desert Bloom Irrigation · (702) 555-0164
Sample data for illustration. Your results depend on your market and filters.
Playbook
Why controller upgrades are an easy yes
A traditional sprinkler timer runs a program set by a person, usually once, years ago. It does not know about rain, humidity, wind, or the season. A weather-based or soil-moisture controller adjusts run times automatically, which cuts waste and keeps lawns healthier. The EPA's WaterSense label identifies controllers that meet efficiency criteria.
The financial case is strong. An average home with a labeled controller can save thousands of gallons a year, and in markets with tiered water pricing or restrictions, savings add up quickly. Many utilities pay rebates that cover a meaningful portion of the cost, which turns the upgrade into a near-break-even decision.
Target by age and value. Older homes with fixed timers, larger lots with more turf, and higher-value properties offer the biggest savings and the best response. Combine build year with lot size and value filters, and consider water restrictions in your area.
Make the rebate effortless. Owners rarely claim rebates because the forms are tedious. If you offer to submit the paperwork, you remove the main friction and make your offer more attractive than competitors who just sell hardware.
Include a system check. A controller is only as efficient as the heads and zones it controls. During the install, test coverage, fix clogged or misaligned heads, and report findings. That turns a one-hour install into a larger repair and maintenance relationship.
9×+return on a year of Spur Team from controller upgrades and follow-on work
A controller install is a gateway to repairs and plans.
- Spur Team: $49/mo billed annually = $588/yr
- 1,000 cards on Team at $0.94 each = $940
- 15 controller installs (~$450 each) plus repairs and plans ≈ $9,500
Example math. Controller price, rebates, and response vary. Run your own numbers →
One tool, not four
Spur vs. waiting for a complaint
What you needThe usual waySpur
Reach owners before the bill spikesWait for a leak or a complaint✓ Built in
Savings and rebates on the cardHardware pitch only✓ Built in
Rebate paperwork handled for themOwner files alone✓ Built in
Scan alerts to follow up fastNo visibility✓ Built in
Mailed in 2 daysWeeks with a print vendor✓ Built in
Smart Controller Upgrades by the numbers
Why smart controllers sell
15,000 gal
can be saved per year in an average home by a WaterSense-labeled smart controller
~50%
of water used for irrigation can be wasted by overwatering and poor coverage
9×+
return on a year of Spur Team from controller upgrades and follow-on work
FAQ
Smart controller upgrade questions
How do I find homes that need a smart controller?
Filter for homes built 1990 to 2012 with large turf areas and mid-to-high values. Add your own customer list.
Should I mention rebates?
Yes, if your utility offers them. Offering to file the paperwork makes your proposal easier to accept.
What does a WaterSense controller do?
It adjusts watering based on weather or soil moisture, and it meets EPA criteria for water efficiency.
Will owners really see savings?
Savings vary with climate, turf, and previous watering habits. Promise a typical range, not a guarantee.
Keep exploring
Related plays and guides
Start in minutes. No card required.
Help them stop watering the sidewalk.
Find older timers, mail a savings-and-rebate card, and book the install. Free to start.
Find smart controller leads — freeFree forever plan · No card · 20 property searches a month
Prefer a walkthrough? Book a demo