Smart Outlets: Do They Really Save Money and Energy?
Many of us have heard about the benefits of using smart outlets and how they can help regulate energy usage and therefore save you money. But do they really work? Are smart outlets worth it or are they just a gimmick?
For those who may not know, a smart wall outlet is an electronic switch that is designed to regulate the flow of electricity to an appliance or electronic device. It comes with a built-in WiFi connection and can be controlled remotely with a smartphone, tablet or computer. With this type of outlet, users can control the power supply, set schedules and monitor energy usage.
How Smart Outlets Reduce Energy Expenditure
Smart wall outlets allow for increased energy efficiency by allowing users to program when certain appliances can be turned on or off. This helps reduce energy consumption as it eliminates the need for users to manually turn electronics off when they’re not in use. Plus, some smart wall outlets come with timer settings so users can set a timer for when to turn on or off certain devices. Some models even come with motion sensors that detect when you leave a room and will automatically turn off any connected appliances.
Money Savings with Smart Outlets
The power savings that come with using a smart wall outlet may be small at first but over time they can add up significantly. For example, a standard outlet uses the same amount of power even when the appliance connected to it is not in use. A smart outlet however will detect when an appliance has been idle for a certain period of time and automatically turn it off which drastically reduces energy consumption and leads to lower electricity bills over time.
There are some models that also have the ability to track energy usage over time which allows users to make better decisions about how they use their appliances in order to save more money.
Special Features of Smart Outlets
In addition to reducing energy consumption and saving money, there are several other features that make these outlets appealing to consumers. For example, many of them come with voice compatibility so you can use voice commands such as Alexa or Google Home to control your connected devices remotely. Other features include surge protection to help protect your electrical equipment from damage caused by spikes in voltage or current. There are also remote control capabilities that allow you to access your connected devices from anywhere in the world through a mobile app or website on your computer.
Common Questions
If you’re considering purchasing a smart wall outlet there are several questions you may have before making your purchase decision. Some of these questions include: Is installation easy? Do I need any special tools? Will it fit my existing electrical wiring? Is it safe? How much will it cost me? Are there any additional fees? How long will it last?
Fortunately, most smart wall outlets come with comprehensive instructions and detailed diagrams so installation is easy and hassle-free for most consumers. Most models are compatible with existing wiring so no special tools are required for installation. Regarding safety, these outlets are tested against stringent guidelines and safety certified by many leading organizations such as UL in order to ensure maximum safety for all users. Most units also come with a warranty in case something goes wrong during the installation or use to add some extra peace of mind for customers.
Installation and Setup
Installation is usually quite simple regardless of what type of outlet you buy. Simply plug the unit into any available wall socket then connect it to your home network via Wi-Fi using your phone’s mobile app or website on your laptop/desktop computer (instructions will likely vary depending on the model, so check the user manual). Once connected you’ll be able to use voice commands (if enabled) as well as other features such as scheduling turn-on/off times or monitoring energy use patterns over time (only available through some models).
Many models will require occasional maintenance such as cleaning dust out of air vents. Be sure to refer to your particular product’s user manual for all maintenance requirements before attempting any work yourself.
Conclusion
The use of smart wall outlets is becoming increasingly popular thanks to their ability to save users energy and money. By automatically regulating the flow of electricity to an appliance or device and providing features such as scheduling and remote control, users can save money on their electricity bills and enjoy increased convenience. With the variety of features and models available, you’re sure to find a smart wall outlet that best suits your needs and budget.