Does the ebb and flow of your energy bill have you searching for an affordable way to reduce or better control your use?
If you answered yes, look no further than a practical and affordable device that allows you to better manage your home’s energy use: energy-saving outlets.
These next-generation devices afford the same surge protection as their predecessors, but also tie in the “smart” functionality of an internet-connected device.
Several kinds of energy-saving outlets are available, but there are two factors you should consider.
First is size. There are many different sizes, ranging from a single external outlet to a power strip with multiple sockets.
The second thing to consider is Wi-Fi connectivity. Internet-connected outlets—known as smart plugs—may enable you to fully realize the potential of these energy savings. This is because you will have greater remote control of the outlet through your smartphone, tablet or home assistant, such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa.
Consider where you will use the energy-saving outlet and what you will use it for. Answering these questions will make it easier to choose the device that works best for you.
With smart plugs or smart power strips, a few clicks and swipes on your smartphone will enable you to fully shut down the electrical current to your high-powered devices to prevent them from consuming electricity even when switched off.
Several devices found inside your home are commonly referred to as “phantom loads” or “energy vampires.” Most entertainment systems consist of several phantom loads, such as televisions, DVD players and video-gaming consoles. These energy-saving outlets have the potential to curb these loads, which can cost the average household an extra $200 a year.
Photo courtesy of ThinkEco
In addition to preventing unnecessary energy consumption, these outlets are affordable for most folks looking to trim electrical use. The average smart outlet costs around $10 to $20 on Amazon and has the potential to pay for itself in two years or less, depending on how often you use it.
As previously noted, convenience is a major factor to consider when thinking about your next efficiency upgrade.
Smart plugs typically come with simple instructions to download an accompanying app on your smartphone and then connect the plug to your home’s Wi-Fi. The convenience in being able to turn the device on and off using your phone cannot be understated.
Advanced smart plugs and smart plug apps also have the ability to automate the use with your schedule and even your presence in the home.
You can have large-load devices turn off at a set time each night and turn on every morning when you’re ready to
use them. If you want to use your television at a time outside of the preset hours, you can easily switch on the device through the smartphone app.
Through automation, you can power down these energy-intensive devices and prevent unnecessary energy use.
Smart plugs may be the best option for folks looking to optimize their energy use and eliminate vampire loads. For those who want more of a hands-off option to saving money, energy-saving outlets and power strips without a Wi-Fi connection may be a better choice.
Energy-saving outlets are one of many energy-efficient options. As technology evolves, we will likely see additional options emerge.