The smart home is a popular concept in the modern world. Primarily, it offers convenience through smart appliances. However, you do not always need a smart appliance; you can achieve a smart home with the use of smart plugs. In this article we look at the ways in which smart plugs can help to build a smart home.
Understanding smart plugs
What is a smart plug? It is a plug that you can plug into an electrical outlet or socket, and thus plug other appliances into. The reason it is ‘smart’ is that it can connect to your WiFi network and be controlled through a smartphone or other voice-controlled home assistants, such as an Amazon Alexa.
Remote control and scheduling
One of the main benefits of smart plugs is that they can be controlled remotely. Smart plugs can be turned on anyway as long as there is internet connection. This means if you forgot to turn off the hallway lamp when you left the house, then no problem, you can switch it off on your smartphone app.
Similarly, you can schedule devices to come on. This means picking a time you want the plug to turn on to switch on devices. For example, you can set your lights to turn on at a specific time, or schedule other devices to turn on.
If those other devices are also connected to the internet, you may be able to turn them on via your phone too such as turning on your coffee machine from your bed so there is a freshly brewed drink waiting for you in the kitchen.
Energy savings
Smart plugs can also help you save on energy bills. You can schedule your appliances to turn off automatically when you're not using them, preventing energy wastage. Another energy-saving feature is the ability to monitor your device's energy usage. Some smart plugs provide insights into how much electricity your appliances are consuming. This information empowers you to identify energy-hungry devices and make informed decisions about their usage.
Voice control and integration
For added convenience, many smart plugs can be voice-controlled through popular virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This means you can simply say, "Hey Google, turn on the living room fan," and your smart plug will spring into action. These plugs can integrate with other devices and work together to create an efficient home experience.
Affordable and easy installation
One of the most attractive aspects of smart plugs is their affordability and ease of installation. You don't need to be a tech guru to set them up. Typically, you just plug the smart plug into an outlet, connect your device, and follow the setup instructions in the accompanying app. It's a simple and straightforward process, making smart plugs accessible to everyone.
Conclusion
Smart plugs are an excellent entry point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of home automation and create a smarter living space. With the power of smart plugs, you can have more control over your devices and make your daily routines more convenient. So, start building your smart home today, one plug at a time, and experience the benefits of a more connected and efficient living space.
You can view all of our smart plugs here.