Every day, a new invention claims to save time and energy. Smart plugs are one such invention. It has been around for some time, but many people are unaware of its effectiveness.
Before I share the correct answer to the question, I would like to clarify precisely what smart plugs are. Then, this blog post will provide insight into how much money you might save by using a stand smart plug.
What Is a Smart Plug & Does it Really Save Energy?
A smart plug is a device plugged into an ordinary electrical outlet to enable the remote control of appliances and other devices through a wireless connection. Smart plugs can help save energy by allowing users to track and control their energy consumption.
For example, a coffee maker turned on and off using a smart plug can be monitored to see how much energy it consumes. So it will help users make informed decisions about how to save energy and lower their electricity bills.
While every smart plug may have different features, they all work to track the energy consumption of devices plugged into them. It also can be used to save energy by understanding which devices use the most power and making changes accordingly.
According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (ELECO), a smart plug can provide load shifting, and when it detects large loads, its job is to reduce energy consumption.
Let’s do the math – How much are you spending vs how much are you saving?
Smart plugs consume around 1watt of power every day on standby. While this isn’t much, the cost of the smart plug remains. For example, a $25 Kasa Mini smart plug will take around three months to recover its buying price when connected to only small devices.
But if the same smart plug is connected to an appliance, like your de-humidifier, you’ll save around $18 on the first month itself! The cost of running a smart plug varies depending on the make and model of the device, but it typically costs around $10 per month.
What Issues Do Smart Plugs Have?
One potential issue with smart plugs is that they require a home hub or bridge to connect to the internet and be controlled remotely. This means an additional piece of hardware is required, which can add to the cost.
Additionally, smart plugs rely on Wi-Fi, so if there are any issues with the Wi-Fi signal in the home, the smart plugs may not work properly. Another issue is that some smart plugs are not compatible with all appliances.
For example, Google Home can only control certain types of smart plugs. So before purchasing a smart plug, it’s important to ensure it will work with the appliances in your smart home and the home automation system you’re using.
Do Smart Plugs Constantly Use Electricity?
Yes, smart plugs do use a small amount of electricity even when they are turned off. This is because they need to be able to connect to the internet and receive updates and commands. This amount of electricity used is very small and most people will not notice any increase in their electric bill.
Are Smart Plugs Surge Protected?
Yes, most smart plugs are now surge-protected. This means that they can help protect your devices from sudden power surges.
However, it is always a good idea to have a surge protector plugged into your outlet. Keep in mind most single-port smart plugs do not have surge protection.
Does Amazon Smart Plug Save Energy?
Amazon smart plug is a device that can save energy by reducing the amount of power consumed by devices plugged into it.
For example, a TV plugged into an Amazon smart plug will consume less power than if it were plugged directly into an outlet. This can lead to significant energy savings over time.
Should I Still Get a Smart Plug?
If you’re unsure whether or not to get a smart plug, consider your needs and whether or not you think a smart plug would be beneficial.
So if you want to be able to control your devices remotely, or if you want to be able to schedule when your devices are turned on and off, then a smart plug would be a good choice. However, if you don’t need those features and are happy with controlling your devices manually, you may not need a smart plug.
At the end of the guide, smart gadgets do not just offer energy savings. They offer you comfort and smart control of your appliances. For example, you can quickly turn off your dishwasher or tumble dryer with one tap while sitting on your couch.
Some plugs come with features such as timers and scheduling, while others allow you to control multiple devices at once. There are also smart plugs that work with voice-activated assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. No matter what type of smart plug you choose, you’re sure to see a difference in your energy bill!
