Can Smart Plugs Save You Money? (Truth Revealed)
Smart plugs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to introduce smart home technology into our daily lives.
You might be wondering how these little gizmos work and, more importantly, if they can save you some cash on your energy bills.
The short answers are, “They work very simply” and “Yes, they can save you money on your energy bills.”
So, let’s get into this world of modern convenience that can turn your dumb home devices into smart ones.
Smart Plug Basics
When it comes to smart plug operation, it’s important to know that smart plugs allow you to remotely control appliances and devices by managing their power supply. By plugging a smart plug into an outlet, then plugging an appliance or device into the plug, you can connect the device to your smartphone or smart home hub as if it was a smart device.
This means you can easily turn a standard old lamp on and off or even schedule it to work at specific times. But that’s not all. Smart plugs also offer the perk of tracking the energy consumption of your devices. This feature provides valuable insight into which appliances are guilty of using up the most power, helping you tweak your habits and routines to save energy.
Plug and Play Technology
Smart plugs are an easy way to upgrade your home to a smart home. To get started, simply plug the smart plug into your wall outlet, and then plug your device into the smart plug. Most smart plugs are designed to work with a variety of appliances and devices, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Just make sure you abide by wattage limits on the plug.
Working with Wi-Fi and Apps
Once your smart plug is connected, you’ll need to get it connected to your Wi-Fi network. This step is usually simple and involves downloading the corresponding app for your smart plug on your smartphone. Through the app, you’ll be able to control your plugged-in devices remotely and even set schedules to turn your devices on and off at specific times.
Incorporation with Smart Home Devices
Smart plugs can be a great addition to your smart home ecosystem, as they work seamlessly with other smart devices, such as smart thermostats and smart outlets. You can also integrate your smart plugs with home hubs, like Amazon Echo or Google Home, allowing you to control your devices through voice commands. Integrating your smart plugs with other smart home devices will make your life more convenient and energy-efficient.
How Smart Plugs Help Save Energy
Efficient Energy Management
Smart plugs give you greater control over your energy consumption by allowing you to manage when and how devices use energy. You can schedule devices to turn on and off at specific times, optimize energy use for off-peak hours, or even create custom routines for multiple devices.
Eliminating Vampire Energy
Vampire energy, also known as phantom load or standby power, occurs when devices continue to draw power even when they’re not in use. This wasted energy can account for a significant portion of your energy bill.
Smart plugs help eliminate vampire energy by allowing you to remotely turn off devices that are drawing power even when they’re on standby. You can also set routines to ensure these devices are off when they’re not needed.
- Vampire energy culprits: chargers, gaming consoles, coffee makers
- Savings: Reducing vampire energy can save you up to 10% on your energy bill
Usage During Peak Hours
Most residential electricity providers charge higher rates during peak hours when energy demand is high. By using smart plugs, you can schedule your high-energy consuming devices to operate during off-peak hours, when electricity costs are lower. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bill while also helping to reduce strain on the energy grid.
Here’s a quick comparison of energy usage during peak and off-peak hours:
| Device | Energy Consumption (kWh) | Cost during Peak Hours | Cost during Off-Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothes Dryer | 2.5 | $0.30 | $0.15 |
| Dishwasher | 1.5 | $0.18 | $0.09 |
| Electric Oven | 2.0 | $0.24 | $0.12 |
By taking advantage of smart plugs to manage your energy consumption, you can make a significant dent in your energy bill and contribute to a greener environment.
How Smart Plugs Save You Money
Reduced Bills with Smart Automation
Smart plugs help you save money by automating the control of devices at your home. By turning off appliances when they’re not in use and reducing standby mode consumption, smart plugs minimize the energy used.
Optimal Scheduling for Running Devices
You can schedule your devices to run during off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower. By using smart plugs to plan your appliance usage, you’ll save cash on your energy bill without lifting a finger. Consider it as optimizing your device’s performance while also giving your wallet a break.
Enhancing Household Convenience
Along with monetary savings, smart plugs amp up your household’s convenience. By automating tasks, such as turning lights on and off, you’ll relieve yourself of some daily chores, giving you more time to do what you enjoy. The cherry on top? Your house will run ultra-smoothly and you’ll save money on your bills.
Some ways smart plugs can increase household convenience:
- Set schedules to turn off non-essential devices at night.
- Use automations to turn devices on and off when you’re away.
- Connect devices to energy-saving modes when not in use.
Make the Most of Your Smart Plugs
Once you’ve got your smart plugs in hand, it’s time to make the most out of them and start saving some money. Follow these tips to cut down on your energy consumption and amp up your savings.
First off, plug ’em into the right devices. Focus on appliances that consume the most energy, like space heaters, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers. Also, consider using your smart plugs on devices that use power even in standby mode, such as your TV, Xbox One X, or media center. These so-called “phantom loads” can rack up your energy bill without you getting any benefit.
Now that your smart plugs are in the right spots, create schedules for your devices using the companion app. This way, you can have your lamps, fans, and even coffee makers run only when you need them, saving you energy. For added convenience and control, sync your smart plugs with services like Alexa or Google Assistant to make it easier to set and control your schedules.
Another nifty feature you can use with smart plugs is geofencing. With this, your devices can automatically turn on and off based on your smartphone’s location. You can have your living room lights turn on when you arrive home, for instance, and turn off when you leave. This automates the process and ensures you’ll never forget to switch off a device.
Also, make sure you utilize that app. With the corresponding smart app for your smart plugs, you can remotely control devices, which comes in handy for ensuring your laundry is done before you get home.
To tie it all together and really enhance those savings, monitor your energy consumption with the help of the app. Some smart plugs, like the Emporia Smart Plug, can provide you with real-time data on your devices’ energy use. Knowing this information can help you identify energy hogs and devices you may need to adjust or replace.
Well, now that you know how to get the most bang for your buck with your smart plugs, you’re all set to become a true energy-saving guru. May the cost savings be ever in your favor.
