DIY Security Systems
Given the technology, the way it is today, it is amazing how most things turn “smart” – smartphones, smart television, smart coffee makers, and even the entire home. If you plan to have a smart space or a smart home, to be able to have a full smart experience, you might want to buy a smart plug as this device may not only improve home safety, it can also make your life a lot more comfortable at home. In this article, you will find vital information on how to use smart plugs.
What Is a Smart Plug?
It is a device that you can plug into electrical outlets and sockets. You can then plug any device to it and use a corresponding app to control it using your phone or smart assistants such as Android’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Google Hub Max. However, other smart plugs come with a separate remote control that you can use in the house, commonly called smart buttons. These smart buttons can be enabled using Bluetooth or WiFi, and they send a command to other devices.
Below are other frequently asked questions that might help you with your inquiry about how to use smart plugs.
What Can Smart Plugs Do?
Not all smart plugs have the same features. That is the reason why before buying one, you might want to list down the services you wish to get from the device so that it would be easier for you to pick which one works for you best. Again, how do you use a smart plug?
Turning Your Appliances On and Off
If you’re someone who wants a hot cup of coffee from the moment you wake up, through an application, you can instruct your smart plug to turn on your coffee maker a few minutes before you wake up so you’ll get a freshly brewed coffee once you step in the kitchen. Most devices can be connected to a smart plug to have the “smart” function. Therefore, you can choose your appliances on or off without getting near them at your convenience. Sleek, right?
Setting Control Zones
Would you like a lighting zone? This is a space in your house that has lights, and you are setting it up to light up once you get in through the help of an application. The zone can be activated through instruction. So, basically all lights connected to a smart plug will light up simultaneously once the command is initiated.
Lowering Your Electricity Bill
Although all smart plugs allow you to control your appliances or lights from afar, some do not allow you to save on electricity. However, some brands would monitor if the device attached to it has been in use or not. If it detects that nobody is using it, it will automatically shut it off, hence, cutting off on your electric bill. If you want this specific feature, you need to look for a brand that has such, since as mentioned earlier, not all smart plug has such ability.
Reacting to Other Smart Devices
If you’re building your smart house on the ground up, probably most of the things inside your house could be controlled by the app through a smart plug. There are smart plugs that can be set up to communicate with other smart equipment inside the house. For example, if your smart security camera notices a potential intruder on your doorstep, it can signal your lights to come on or whatnot making it appear like you’re home. Again, if you wish to have such a feature, you need to be specific about it.
Which Are the Best Smart Plus?
Unfortunately, this material does not include any reviews on the best brands for smart plugs. However, there are sites online that you can visit to check out honest reviews of the best smart plugs. Just make sure to take your time to reevaluate the reviews to get the best value for your money. If you already have friends who have been using these devices, you can ask for their opinions about the best brands they can recommend; and they would be able to provide you with tips on how to use smart plugs.
How Do Smart Plugs Work? Are Smart Plugs Safe?
Most smart plugs have an automatic shut off features in case of power surges. Smart plugs work similarly to other outlets, which means overloading it will be dangerous.
How Do You Set Up Smart Plugs?
Each smart plug is slightly different from the other, but usually a plug-and-play device. This means once you plug it in, you need to download the app that is compatible with your mobile phone or the device that would control it. Pairing the app and the device should come next.
Just makes sure that you have either Bluetooth or WiFi connection to make it work. Each package comes with a manual that will also show you a step-by-step guide to walk you through on setting it up and how to use smart plugs. Find out more about Smart Plugs.
Conclusion
Is it necessary to use smart plugs? The answer would depend on your needs. A smart plug can be very convenient, especially when you are living alone. Sometimes with a preoccupied mind, you tend to forget a lot of things like turning the lights on or switching it off. With smart plugs, you get a chance to upgrade your house and enjoy the convenience of switching appliances on and off at a distance – fruit of technology.
On the other hand, a smart house and the smart plug is a luxury, if you love and can afford the luxury, and if you know how to use smart plugs and use it to your advantage, by all means, feel free to do so. Some of the best smart plugs are sold starting at $30.