Functional design is always a win in our books, especially when we’re considering smaller or eco-friendly spaces. Because who doesn’t want something pretty that’s also practical? Smart home features are a great example because they can save money and energy while fitting most modern home vibes. However, they also have a reputation as being too expensive.
Or at least they did. As people integrate more tech into their homes, certain tools are becoming more affordable. Think smart vacuums, smart switches and smart plugs and power strips, to start. If you want to modernize your space, here are five more budget-friendly options to consider.
Smart Thermostats
If you want a perfectly heated (or cooled) house no matter where you are in the world, a smart thermostat is where it’s at. They allow you to control the temperature with your phone, can be programmed to different temperatures throughout the day, and they learn your habits to optimize your climate. These days you can get a model like Google Nest or ecobee for under $300, and depending where you live, you might qualify for a rebate when you install one. You could potentially save in the long run, too. Some studies suggest that homeowners can save 8 to 15 per cent of their heating and cooling bills through a smart thermostat.
Related: 20 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill Big-Time
Smart Lightbulbs
Smart lightbulbs are ones that you can control remotely and wirelessly, which leads to so many functional uses. You could set them to come on before you get home, dim the lights from the couch before a movie, or switch colours while you’re sitting down to dinner. Many of them work with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and they’re more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. They tend to last longer than regular bulbs, too. The best news is that they’ve come down in price and now range from $10-25 dollars each.
Smart Security Cameras and Doorbells
These days, it seems like many neighbourhoods benefit from the added layer of security a smart doorbell brings. That’s because they’re affordable (under $250) and bring peace of mind with the built-in camera. But there are also plenty of budget-friendly motion sensors and backyard cameras out there to take advantage of these days, with storage options that don’t require expensive monthly subscriptions and add that extra layer of security to your home.
Smart Locks
Sometimes keys just don’t go with your outfit, which is one reason to love smart locks. The more practical reason is that you can lock or unlock a smart lock from anywhere. Did your visitors arrive early? You can let them in. Did you forget to lock the door during your rush out this morning? No worries, you can lock it with your phone. There are tons of models out there nowadays that go for less than a hundred bucks, and you can easily install them with a screwdriver.
Related: The Best Cooling Mattresses to Keep You Comfortable All Year Long
Voice Assistants
Need to know what your schedule for the day is? Do you like catching up on the weather and news from the comfort of your bed when you wake up? Do you want to page your family downstairs in the basement to come up for dinner? Voice assistants do all of that and more, which is why they’re becoming increasingly popular in homes. Grab a mini for less than $50 and have your roommates add to the grocery list, set reminders, play music or answer questions whenever you want.
