Are you rethinking how you budget your household bills? If so, it could be time to look at your tech.
As more of us are heading back to the ‘Big Six’ suppliers, we need to take a closer look at how we cover the cost of the essentials. But when there seems to be a new gadget announced each week, it can be tricky knowing where to begin when sourcing the innovations that can save you money.
To help you whittle down your options, here’s a round-up of some slick tech that ticks all the boxes and cuts costs.
Clever lighting
Smart lighting has been around for a little while, but it’s still a great way to save energy and reduce bills. It does this by having the ability to be controlled remotely via an app, meaning that they can be switched off when not in use, plus LED lightbulbs are much more efficient than their predecessors.
Philips is one brand that has led the way with this tech, introducing Hue, which are lightbulbs that fit in everyday lamps and light fittings and are controlled via an app. They can be dimmed or change colour all through the app.
Thermal window dressings
Curtains have long been the go-to option for insulating the home, but thermal blinds are equally effective. In fact, these blinds can be an excellent option for those seeking to retain heat in the home while simultaneously controlling light entering the space.
They come with a silver reflective or light-blocking coating that retains heat that comes through the window during the day. Electric thermal blinds are motorised, meaning they can be remote controlled, making them a useful option for controlling heat energy in hard to reach places, such as in conservatories and attic roofs.
Smart streaming
Millions of us have turned to streaming the TV and entertainment we watch in recent years, and experts predict that there will be 9.5 million Netflix subscribers by 2020. But what are we using to stream these services on?
Switching your current device with an alternative could prove cost effective in the long run, especially when tuning into your favourite TV shows via your games console can use more energy than a smart TV. Taking the time to update how you stream can be beneficial for both the environment and your bills.
Upgraded security
Another way to upgrade your home while saving money is to invest in smart security. While many of us already have CCTV and alarms, upgrading to smart tech means that, as well as alerting you when people are outside your house, you are investing now to save money in the long run.
Whatever tech you choose, there are plenty of gadgets available to enhance your property and save you cash. Which one will you choose?
