Creating a smart home used to be an expensive proposition, requiring costly hardware and professional installation. But today, there are a wide range of affordable smart home devices that can be easily integrated into your home’s existing setup. Here’s a guide to setting up a smart home system without breaking the bank, including tips on choosing affordable devices and integrating them into your existing setup.
Choosing Affordable Smart Home Devices
When choosing smart home devices on a budget, it’s important to balance cost with functionality. Here are some recommendations for affordable smart home devices that offer great value. Also, be sure to check out our post here about “5 key questions to ask before investing in a smart home“.
Smart Speakers and Displays
Smart speakers and displays are a great entry point into the world of smart home devices. They allow you to control other smart devices, set timers and reminders, and offer voice-activated assistance for everything from checking the weather to playing music.
One popular option is the Amazon Echo Dot (5th generation). This compact, affordable smart speaker offers all the features of Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, in a compact, budget-friendly package.
Smart Plugs and Bulb
Smart plugs and bulbs are another affordable smart home option that can be easily integrated into your existing setup. They allow you to control your lights and other electronics remotely, using your smartphone or voice commands.
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug is a popular option for controlling electronics remotely. It connects to your Wi-Fi network and allows you to turn on and off devices with a simple tap on your smartphone.
Smart Thermostats and Cameras
Smart thermostats and cameras can help you monitor and manage your home’s temperature and security. These thermostats can learn your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusting the temperature to save energy and keep you comfortable. Smart cameras on the other hand, allow you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere, using your smartphone or tablet.
The Wyze Cam v3 is an affordable, high-quality smart camera that offers excellent video quality and easy integration with other smart home devices.
Integrating Devices into Your Existing Setup
Once you’ve chosen your smart home devices, it’s time to integrate them into your existing setup. Here are some tips for setting up a cohesive, easy-to-use smart home system.
Setting up a Smart Hub
A smart hub is a device that can connect all your smart home devices. This hub allows you to control smart devices from one app. Smart hubs like the Brilliant Smart Home Control (2-Switch Panel) can integrate with a wide range of devices. Examples include smart speakers, cameras, and thermostats, making it easy to control your entire smart home setup from one place. Brilliant’s solution is one that I plan to implement myself. Let us know below if you want a deep dive on this solution down the road.
Brilliant Smart Home Control (2-Switch Panel)
Using Voice Assistants
Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are an easy and convenient way to control your smart home devices with voice commands. You can use voice commands to turn lights on and off, adjust the temperature, and even play music or podcasts.
Creating Routines and Automations
One of the biggest benefits of a smart home setup is the ability to create routines and automations that streamline your daily life. For example, you can set up a routine that turns off all the lights in your house before bed. Another example is to create an automation that adjusts the temperature based on the time of day.
Conclusion
Setting up a smart home on a budget is easier than ever. This is in thanks to a wide range of affordable devices and easy-to-use integration tools. By choosing the right devices and integrating them into a cohesive setup, you can enjoy all the benefits of a high-tech home without breaking the bank.