When most people think of smart homes and energy efficiency, their minds jump to thermostats or lighting. But there’s one tool that’s often overlooked and surprisingly powerful: the smart plug. These inexpensive devices can drastically reduce the amount of electricity your home wastes without requiring a major tech overhaul.
In this guide, we’ll show you how smart plugs energy savings can lower your electricity bill, reduce phantom power draw, and give you better control over appliances — all for under $30 per outlet.
What Are Smart Plugs and How Do They Work?
Smart plugs are Wi-Fi-enabled devices that plug into a standard wall outlet and allow you to control whatever is plugged into them — usually via a smartphone app or voice assistant. Many include features like:
- On/off scheduling
- Energy monitoring
- Remote access
- Voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri)
- Automation rules or scenes
You simply plug your appliance (lamp, coffee maker, fan, TV, etc.) into the smart plug, and the smart plug into the wall — no rewiring needed.
Why Smart Plugs Help Save Energy
There are three key ways smart plugs energy savings works:
1. Eliminating Phantom Load
Also called “standby power,” phantom load is the energy used by devices even when they’re turned off — like a TV that’s waiting for a remote signal or a printer that’s on sleep mode. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power can account for 5–10% of residential electricity use. Smart plugs let you cut this power completely by turning devices all the way off when not in use.
2. Scheduled Operation
You can program smart plugs to power down devices at night or while you’re away. This is perfect for things like space heaters, coffee makers, or chargers that often get left on unnecessarily.
3. Usage Awareness and Automation
Many smart plugs include energy monitoring, so you can track exactly how much electricity an appliance uses. Once you see the data, you can adjust behavior — or automate shutoffs when usage hits a certain threshold.
Best Appliances to Pair with Smart Plugs Energy Savings
Not everything works well with smart plugs — they won’t control devices that require manual restart (like some microwaves or washing machines). But here are great use cases:
- TVs & Game Consoles: Shut off overnight to reduce standby power.
- Coffee Makers: Automate morning brews and prevent all-day power drain.
- Space Heaters: Set limits for safety and savings.
- Desktop Computers & Monitors: Cut off power when not in use.
- Lamps: Automate lighting based on sunrise/sunset.
- Electric Toothbrush/Device Chargers: Prevent overnight overcharging.
How Much Can Smart Plugs Save?
Let’s run some quick numbers.
A single device in standby mode (like a game console or printer) might draw 5 watts constantly. That’s:
- 5 watts × 24 hours/day × 365 days = 43.8 kWh/year
- At $0.15/kWh, that’s about $6.57/year for just one device.
Multiply that across 10–15 plugged-in devices in the home, and smart plugs could help you eliminate $75–$150/year in wasted energy.
Combine that with automation of high-consumption devices (like heaters or air purifiers), and the total savings could climb even higher.
Top Smart Plug Features to Look For
Here’s what to prioritize when choosing the best smart plug for energy savings:
- Energy Monitoring: Not all plugs have this — look for it if you want data-driven insights.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Choose one that works with Alexa, Google, or Siri.
- Scheduling & Scenes: Ensure the app allows automation and grouping.
- Remote Access: Control your plugs while away from home.
- UL/ETL Certification: Look for safety certifications for peace of mind.
Some trusted smart plug brands include:
Where to Start in Your Home
If you’re just getting started, begin with 3–5 smart plugs in the highest-impact areas:
- Entertainment center
- Home office
- Bedrooms (for chargers and lamps)
- Kitchen (coffee or small appliances)
Then track results through energy monitoring features, and expand from there.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Plugging in high-voltage appliances: Avoid using smart plugs on large appliances like dryers or AC units unless rated for it.
- Ignoring the app’s features: Most savings come from scheduling and automation — don’t just use them as remote on/off switches.
- Mixing brands: Stick with one ecosystem to simplify automation and reduce app clutter.
Smart Plugs vs. Smart Power Strips
Smart power strips take things a step further by offering multiple controllable outlets in one unit. Some allow you to control each outlet individually, while others control them as a group. They’re great for entertainment centers or home offices with multiple devices that draw phantom power.
Check out our related guide on best energy-saving power strips for more tips.
Recommended Smart Plugs for Your Home
- Kasa Smart Plug Mini (4-Pack) – Compact, affordable, and easy to set up with Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Kasa Smart Power Strip with USB – Control up to 6 outlets individually, perfect for home offices or entertainment centers.
- Amazon Smart Plug – A budget-friendly option that works seamlessly with Alexa devices.
Explore these top-rated smart plugs on Amazon to start saving energy and automating your home today.
Pair with Other Smart Energy Tools
For even more savings, combine smart plugs with:
Final Thoughts on Smart Plugs Energy Savings
Smart plugs may seem simple, but their energy-saving potential is powerful. By eliminating standby power, automating energy-hungry appliances, and helping you track usage, they offer one of the highest returns-on-investment in any smart home setup.
Ready to try smart plugs in your home? Start small, stay consistent, and let the savings stack up.
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