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Smart Plugs vs Regular Plugs - Which is More Efficient?

November 02, 2021

Smart Plugs vs Regular Plugs - Which is More Efficient?

Have you ever wondered if you would save energy and money by using smart plugs instead of regular ones? We did, and we went ahead to research and compare the efficiency of smart plugs versus regular plugs.

What are Smart Plugs?

Smart plugs, also known as Wi-Fi plugs or intelligent plugs, are devices that allow you to control and monitor your appliances' power consumption remotely. These devices connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be controlled through a mobile app, voice assistants like Alexa, or home automation systems like Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.

Regular Plugs

On the other hand, regular plugs are the traditional electrical outlets we've been using for decades. The only difference is that, with regular plugs, you cannot turn off the power or control them remotely with your smartphone.

Efficiency Comparison

Here comes the million dollar question: are smart plugs more efficient than regular plugs? The answer is not a straightforward one, so let's dive into it.

Energy Usage

When comparing smart plugs and regular plugs' energy usage, both use the same amount of energy when powering your devices. The difference comes in when you compare the standby mode or when the device is left plugged in without being used.

Smart plugs have the upper hand here. They can detect whether the device is in use or not and turn off the power supply to the device when not in use. Regular plugs, on the other hand, continue to consume a small amount of power even when the device is turned off. These "phantom" or "vampire" energy loads can account for up to 10% of your home's total electricity usage.

So, in terms of energy usage, smart plugs are the clear winner.

Cost

Smart plugs are relatively more expensive than regular plugs. They come with additional features that make them smart, which increases their production cost. For instance, a regular plug outlet might cost you less than $10, while a smart plug with similar plug capacity and features can cost up to $30.

However, in the long run, smart plugs can save you more money than regular plugs. The energy savings from smart plugs might seem insignificant, but over time they build up and become substantial.

The exact amount of money you can save on electricity bills depends on the number of devices you have and how often you use them. If you have several devices that you forget to turn off when not in use, smart plugs can save you between $25 and $75 per year.

Therefore, although smart plugs cost more upfront, they pay off in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, smart plugs are more efficient than regular plugs as they reduce energy usage and help you save money in the long run, despite being costly upfront. They also come with additional features that provide convenience and allow you to control your devices remotely.

References

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