The economic difficulties of our time require the economic management of our home, so that it consumes the fewest kilowatt-hours while at the same time offering comfort to its owner. In short, the modern home must be automated or, if you like, be a "smart home".
There are many ways to make home smart. Smart home systems, such as BEMS and the more recent KNX, have been on the market for years. But apart from requiring the re-installation of automation wiring throughout the house, they are also very expensive. 
Their promise that they will pay off the initial installation cost in the long run may be true, but as we mentioned, times are tough and the prospect of an "investment" in home economics is daunting. In today's article, we'll look at some ways to make your home a little smarter without spending a lot of money.
The following solutions don't offer the ability to control your home from your smartphone, or even from the internet. But, they can certainly make your life easier.
1. Wireless remote controlled sockets
There are sockets on the market that can be controlled from your mobile phone but they are considered a bit expensive. For only 10 euros you can find remote-controlled sockets that you can control on/off via a remote control similar to the one on your TV.
The range of the remote control is usually the size of a room. The only problem you will encounter is their bulky shell that covers the entire socket. However, if you can overlook this drawback and proceed with the purchase, then you will be able to turn on various electrical appliances without getting up from the couch.
2. Timers
If you want your lights to turn on and off automatically at set times throughout the day, then you need to buy a power timer. With prices starting at 3 euros for mechanical ones and 8 euros for electronic ones, you can get a timer-socket.
What you can connect to it depends on your imagination. From the coffee shop to have your coffee ready in the morning, before you wake up, to a light that will blink at random and confuse thieves that there are people in the house (while you will be taking your baths on some island).
3. Shower with motion detector
If you're tired of having to constantly turn on the lights every time you enter a room and turn them off when you leave, then seriously consider buying a light socket with a built-in motion sensor. For around 8 euros, you can install it in areas with single lights, such as the bathroom, in a storage room, in the bedroom, etc. In addition, you can adjust how long you want the light to stay on after you leave the room.
4. Window and door sensors
An alarm system is always an expensive affair. It requires wiring, which means digging and tinkering, and also expensive machines. But you can know when someone comes or leaves the house with a cheap door sensor. These machines are autonomous, cost 2 euros and emit a buzzing noise, similar to what you hear in stores.
You can also use them for windows, to know whether a window is open or not. They are not glass break sensors, but you can also buy such sensors separately. They are not as cheap (50 euros for a sensor), but you can cover an entire room with a single sensor.
