Here are the key points from the article:
- A smart plug enables you to control, schedule, and monitor the energy usage of your basic outlet-powered devices like a Christmas tree or decorative lights.
- Smart plugs can be used to make any appliance “smart”, even older ones, and set them to operate based on specific conditions or schedules.
- Smart plugs can be used to enhance home security by creating the illusion of an occupied home.
- Energy monitoring features can help reduce energy consumption by identifying power-hungry appliances and scheduling them to shut down fully when not in use.
With the holiday season upon us, making use of smart plugs can be especially beneficial. This can range from managing seasonal decorations, such as festive lights and Christmas trees to automating older home appliances, boosting your home security setup, and monitoring and reducing energy usage.
One of the biggest benefits of a smart plug is its ability to make any appliance “smart”. This can be useful for devices like fans, heaters, and air purifiers. For instance, they can be automated to turn on under certain temperature conditions, or set to run before you arrive home, allowing you to come home to a clean and cool environment.
Moreover, by connecting devices like floor lamps and TVs to smart plugs, and using a smart home app to schedule when these devices should turn on and off, the illusion of an occupied house can be created, which can deter potential thieves, thereby boosting home security.
In terms of energy consumption, smart plugs equipped with energy monitoring features can provide data about how much power each connected device uses. With this information, users can identify which devices or decorations consume the most power and schedule them to fully shutdown when not in use.
Overall, smart plugs can be an effective way to automate your home for the holidays, providing control over your appliances, improving home security, and promoting energy efficiency.