Some home gadgets are nice to have, but quickly reveal themselves to be gimmicks. Others quickly become essentials. For me, smart plugs sit at the top of that list, and they have completely changed how I manage my energy use at home.
Giving me control over everything from lights to chargers without lifting a finger, the Amazon Smart Plugs aren't just convenient, they're a lifesaver.
I'd never live in a home without them, and right now they're almost 50% off, making it the perfect time to finally make a start on setting up a smart home.
Why your home needs smart plugs
The Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa to add voice control to any outlet. They are super simple to set up, and can be used on most small household appliances for an instant smart home upgrade. You don't need a pricy central home hub, either.
So far as smart home must-haves go, the Amazon smart plugs are the perfect place to start. They do not require any additional home hubs, nor are they difficult to set up.
Simply plug them in, pair them with the app in minutes, and you're good to go. You can then use either the app or your voice assistant to power them on and off, or set schedules that follow your routine.
My favorite use? Cutting energy bills.
I am a certified lazy girl, and any corners I can cut, I will. This means that phone chargers are left plugged in, lamps are left on even when it brightens up outside (or I sit in the dark straining my eyes watching TV when the sun sets early in fall), and consoles and TVs are left on standby whenever I go on vacations.
With smart plugs, however, everything can be turned off with a single voice command to one of the three Amazon Echo Dots I have scattered around my home.
Smart plugs' impact on saving money at home isn't a placebo effect, either. Studies have found that smart plug usage does have a direct impact on energy usage in the home.
One 15-month study, for instance, found, 'participating households used 5% less energy when compared to the average. The reduction rate was found to have increased when more appliances were connected to smart plugs and their power was monitored more frequently.'
It might sound inconsequential, but savings add up, and every little helps, especially when trying to be more sustainable at home.
My smart home must-haves
Smart plugs are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to home automation. These are a few of the upgrades I now wouldn't live without:
The Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa to add voice control to any outlet. They are super simple to set up and can be used on most small household appliances, such as lights and chargers.
I use the Alexa systems as both smart home assistants and as speakers, with several over both levels of my home so that my music plays seamlessly as I move around completing chores.
The Hue bulbs and home hub are expensive to set up, but it is more than worth the investment in my mind. They can be controlled with voice assistants and set any mood perfectly. Plus, they have a mimic feature to help protect your home when you're on vacation.
Motion sensor lightbulbs are the simplest upgrade of all, preventing the energy-eating habit of leaving lights on in important rooms and walkways. Plus, motion sensor lightbulbs can save you money on bills.
We have tested eufy vs Ring doorbells, and eufy came out on top for clarity and the lack of subscription needed. My parents have a video doorbell and I love the security it adds to their home, plus the convenience if you are too busy to get to the front door for a delivery. It's a smart home upgrade that will continue to pay off in convenience.
While I don't have one in my current home, I love the smart thermostat in my parents' home, and it's on my wishlist. This smart addition integrates well with Alexa and other smart systems. It is ENERGY STAR Certified and has a touchscreen.
FAQs
What should you not plug into a smart plug?
While smart plugs are incredibly versatile, it is best to avoid plugging any high-power appliances, such as heaters or large appliances, such as stoves, fridges, or washing machines, into them.
These high-power devices could damage the smart plug, potentially leading to a home fire risk.
Smart tech gadgets can do more than save you money; they can save you time, too. Investing in the best robot vacuum cleaner, for example, can cut your chore time in half.
