In the field of home automation, a wide range of smart devices and appliances are available, ranging from sophisticated and expensive options to simpler and more affordable ones. One example in the latter category is a smart plug. It not only provides convenience but also contributes to reducing electricity bills. In this article, we will explain in detail how these smart plugs can help in reducing energy costs.
A Wi-Fi plug refers to a smart device that can be easily connected anywhere in the house. With this device, you can link other non-smart devices and control them remotely. This means that even if the connected devices themselves do not have smart features, you can still manage and adjust their operations from a remote location.
How Wi-Fi plugs save power
To effectively manage the power consumption of specific devices, owning a Wi-Fi plug is highly beneficial. It functions as a consumption meter and provides valuable insights into energy usage patterns. Exploring the various advantages of Wi-Fi plugs reveals practical ways to incorporate them into daily life and ultimately reduce electricity costs.
Experiment with different usage modes
One of the key advantages of using Wi-Fi plugs to save power is the ability to experiment with various operating modes of devices. For example, you can test different power levels (Level 2, 3, or of a stove and determine the corresponding energy consumption. By monitoring usage through the built-in consumption meter, you can evaluate whether it’s worthwhile to lower the power settings and achieve significant savings.
This approach can be applied to other appliances as well. Typically, Wi-Fi plugs come equipped with consumption metering functionality, allowing you to monitor the energy consumption of connected devices. With this real-time information, you can make informed decisions and control energy usage more appropriately.
Program devices to turn on and off
Another additional benefit of using smart plugs to reduce electricity costs is the ability to schedule device activation and deactivation. This eliminates the need to manually perform tasks or wait for something to be done before leaving. By utilizing the remote control feature, you can easily turn devices on or off as needed.
This feature is particularly useful for household appliances like stoves or air conditioners. Suppose you want your home to reach a specific temperature upon your arrival. In that case, you can simply activate the air conditioner a little before you return, ensuring the desired comfort without the need for it to run continuously for a long time.
Avoid forgetfulness
Smart plugs provide a convenient solution when you’re unsure whether to leave the devices powered on before leaving home. This may include not only lighting but also high-power-consuming devices like TVs, computers, or stoves. By using smart plugs, you can effectively save energy by being prepared for such oversights.
When devices are connected to a smart plug, you can check their status from anywhere. This allows you to verify whether you truly forgot to turn off the power. Furthermore, with remote control capabilities, you can turn off the power even when you’re away, eliminating the need to return just for that purpose. This feature provides peace of mind and helps avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Utilize the cheapest time period
Additionally, smart plugs enable you to optimize power usage during the cheapest time periods. If you have time-based pricing, you can use this feature to remotely operate your appliances during off-peak hours, even when you’re not physically at home.
For example, using a mobile device, you can remotely start the dishwasher or washing machine during low-cost time periods. By doing so, you can reduce electricity costs during that specific time and promote energy efficiency.
In this way, smart plugs prove to be useful tools for energy conservation in the household. Ensuring a stable connection is essential, and if the Wi-Fi coverage is insufficient, considering the installation of a reliable Wi-Fi extender can enhance device control and contribute to reducing electricity bills.
