How computer savvy are you? Could you install the Arduino IDE (integrated development environment) per the instructions located here:
https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/HomePage
and get it running? That is probably the first prerequisite for anything I could show you. Even without an Arduino, one can write, modify, and debug programs. I use it to program two devices, the Arduinos and ESP-8266s. It can be used to program other devices as well. If you have done this, go ahead and explore the IDE. There are code examples available to read and try, if you decide to purchase one... and then there's the question of which one to buy?
Or, what to buy. Maybe the Uno won't cut it and you'll require something more...
Like that. A quick Google search shows it can be done I believe with a wifi shield or an ESP-8266.
While the Uno can do a lot on it's own there are limits. A lot can be done with additional shields. They have been around for a while so they are usually inexpensive, and there are a lot of programs already available but there are alternatives to consider as well. If you need more IO ports, there is the Arduino Mega 2560 Rev3 with 54 digital input/output pins (of which 15 can be used as PWM outputs(used to dim lights and control the speed of some fans)), and 16 analog inputs. I'm doing my latest project with a Raspberry Pi and several ESP-8266-12e(s). The ESPs have has 17 GPIO pins (0-16), however, you can only use 11 of them and only 1 of the 11 is analog, but they have usb and wifi built in.
Anyway, think about it and when I get the Uno I'll see what I can do.
Disclaimer? I do not represent, have ownership in or am in any way connected with any of the products or companies mentioned above.
Later.