While we may not be able to completely transform our house into a fully automated smart home, there are ways to upgrade without breaking the bank. Smart home technology has grown a lot over the past few years, giving us a variety of options at different price points.
It’s important to note that the cheapest option is often not the best option. When making this list, we’re choosing quality pieces that may not be the cheapest, but will certainly work and continue working. Spend a little more up front to ensure peace of mind and a smart home that will continue to work in the future.
Add Some Smart Outlets
When you consider all the outlets in your home, this isn’t necessarily a budget-friendly choice. But with some strategic planning, you’ll be able to have the benefits of a smart outlet without replacing every one.
Consider adding one Belkin WeMo Smart Plug in each common area, or in each bedroom.
This will give you the capabilities throughout the house, but without spending money to replace every outlet. (Homes have more outlets than we think!)
It’s also a smart idea to think ahead. Putting in the time now can save you effort in the long run if you install multiple smart outlets in one go, rather than installing one, then more a few months later.
Strengthen Your Home Security
Creating a home security upgrade with smart devices can be expensive, but it is possible to save some money while doing it. The D-Link Wireless Surveillance Camera is a more affordable option at just $47, and has an accompanying app.
Consider adding these Wi-Fi enabled security cameras at key areas, like your front and back door, to help strengthen your home security without breaking the bank.
Another home security option is a smart lock, and is a common “smart home starter”, as they’re relatively easy to install. The Kwikset Kevo is a common option, and the first generation lock is about half as much as the current generation.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the August Smart Lock has better reviews. It’s a trade-off that’s up to you when considering your budget and unique needs!
Automate Your Climate with a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is another common first smart home purchase. A thermostat like this will help you save energy and automate your heating or cooling with the app.
Ecobee offers a Lite version of their popular Ecobee3 Thermostat, which works with Amazon Alexa, as well.
Set it to your family’s schedule, and you can virtually forget about it as it operates.
Nest is another common choice for a smart thermostat, but is about $100 more and has the same rating on Amazon as the Ecobee3 Lite.
Building a smart home can be a gradual process, and it doesn’t need to break the bank. By focusing on a few key features that are important to you at a time, like smart outlets, home security, or a smart thermostat, you can upgrade your home on a budget.
Contact JTec Today!