Smart plugs and appliances
Smart plugs are the simplest and most affordable way to start building a smart home. They allow you to turn any “dumb” appliance into a smart one, providing remote control, scheduling, and in many cases, real-time energy monitoring.
Why use smart plugs?
1. Eliminate “Vampire Power”
Many electronic devices, such as TVs, games consoles, and coffee machines, consume electricity even when they are in standby mode. This “vampire power” can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill. A smart plug allows you to cut the power completely at the source.
2. Remote control and scheduling
Schedule your slow cooker to start in the afternoon, or ensure your electric blanket is warm before you go to bed. If you ever worry that you left the iron on, you can check and turn it off from your phone.
3. Energy monitoring
Advanced smart plugs (like those from TP-Link Kasa or Shelly) track exactly how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) an appliance is using. This is invaluable for identifying which appliances are costing you the most to run.
Choosing smart appliances
When replacing major household appliances, look for “connected” or “smart” versions. These can often be integrated into your wider energy management system:
- Smart Washing Machines: Start cycles when grid carbon intensity is low or when electricity is cheapest.
- Smart Dishwashers: Similar to washing machines, these can be scheduled to run during off-peak hours.
- Smart Fridges: Can adjust their cooling cycles to avoid peak demand times on the grid.
Safety Note: Never use smart plugs for high-load appliances like tumble dryers, electric heaters, or washing machines unless the plug is specifically rated for high amperage (typically 13A in the UK). Standard smart plugs are best suited for lamps, TVs, and small electronics.
Smart plug quick guide
| Feature | Basic Smart Plug | Monitoring Smart Plug |
|---|---|---|
| On/Off Control | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Access | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Tracking | No | Yes |
| Typical Cost | £8 - £12 | £12 - £20 |
Where to use smart plugs first
- Entertainment centres: One smart plug on a power strip can turn off the TV, soundbar, and console at night.
- Home office: Shut down monitors, printers, and chargers with one schedule.
- Lamps: Use for easy scheduling and voice control.
- Dehumidifiers: Use with a schedule or humidity sensor to prevent dampness without running 24/7.