In the realm of home automation, a wide array of smart devices and appliances are available, ranging from sophisticated and expensive options to simpler and more affordable ones. One example of the latter category is smart plugs, which not only offer convenience but also contribute to reducing your electricity expenses. In this article, we will delve into how these smart plugs aid in lowering your electricity bills.
A Wi-Fi plug refers to a smart device that can be easily connected to any location within your home. With this device, you can link other non-smart devices and gain remote control over them. This means that you can manage and regulate their operations from a distance, even if the connected devices themselves lack built-in smart capabilities.
How a plug with Wi-Fi saves power
To effectively manage the electricity consumption of specific devices, owning a Wi-Fi plug can be highly beneficial. It can even serve as a consumption meter, providing valuable insights into your energy usage patterns. As you explore the various advantages of Wi-Fi plugs, you’ll discover practical ways to incorporate them into your daily routine and ultimately reduce your electricity expenses.
Try different modes of use
One of the primary benefits of using a Wi-Fi plug to save electricity is the ability to experiment with different modes of operation for your devices. For instance, you can test various power levels on a stove, such as levels 1, 2, or 3, to determine their corresponding energy consumption. By monitoring the usage through the built-in consumption meter, you can assess whether it’s worthwhile to lower the power setting and achieve significant savings.
This approach can be applied to any other appliance as well. Wi-Fi plugs typically come equipped with a consumption meter feature, allowing you to monitor the energy consumption of any device plugged into them. This real-time information empowers you to make informed decisions and gain better control over your energy usage.
Program and turn on devices
An additional benefit of using a smart plug to reduce your electricity expenses is the ability to schedule the activation and deactivation of your devices. This eliminates the need to leave something running in anticipation of your return, for instance. With remote control functionality, you can easily turn devices on or off as needed.
This feature can be particularly useful with appliances like stoves or air conditioning units. Suppose you want to arrive home to a specific temperature. In that case, you can simply activate the air conditioning a short while before your arrival, ensuring your desired comfort without the need to keep it running for an extended period.
Avoid forgetfulness
A smart plug provides a convenient solution for situations when you are unsure if you have left devices turned on before leaving the house. This can include not only lights but also higher-consumption appliances such as televisions, computers, or stoves. By using a smart plug, you can effectively save energy in case of these oversights.
By connecting a device to a smart plug, you gain the ability to check its status from anywhere. This allows you to verify whether you have indeed forgotten to turn it off. Moreover, you can remotely switch it off even if you are not at home, eliminating the need to return solely for that purpose. This feature provides peace of mind and helps you avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Use the cheapest hours
Moreover, a smart plug enables you to optimize the usage of electricity during the cheapest hours. If you are on a time-of-use tariff, you can leverage this feature to operate electrical appliances during off-peak periods, even if you are not physically present at home.
For instance, you can remotely activate the dishwasher or washing machine during the lower-cost time slots using your mobile device. By doing so, you can take advantage of the reduced electricity rates during those hours, resulting in energy savings.
As demonstrated, a smart plug proves to be a valuable tool for energy conservation at home. It is essential to ensure a stable connection, and in cases where Wi-Fi coverage is inadequate, considering the installation of reliable Wi-Fi repeaters can enhance control over devices and contribute to reducing your electricity bill.