Do Smart Plugs Save Energy?

Smart plugs are a popular smart home device that improve convenience at home. But do smart plugs save energy? When used correctly, smart plugs can most definitely save energy. Using smart plugs for energy saving purposes helps reduce standby power, improve visibility over appliance usage and support a more energy‑efficient smart home.

How Smart Plugs Save Energy

Smart plugs don’t reduce energy consumption on their own. Instead, they give you control and insight over how and when electricity is used. A main benefit of smart plugs’ energy-saving capability comes from eliminating standby power - also known as phantom load. Devices like TVs, game consoles and office equipment continue to draw power even when switched off.

By scheduling smart plugs to turn off automatically or controlling them remotely via an app, you can noticeably reduce unnecessary energy use over time – savings can be marginal in the short term, but these small actions will add up without you having to rely on manually turning devices off.

Find out Which Appliances You Should Turn Off Standby to Save the Most Energy

How To Reduce Standby Power Automatically

A key advantage of smart plugs is automation. Setting custom schedules ensures appliances aren’t drawing power overnight or during working hours. Some users also link smart plugs to motion sensors and voice assistants, improving convenience while helping reduce standby power across multiple rooms.

This makes smart plugs particularly effective for high‑usage areas such as home offices, kitchens and entertainment systems.

Energy Monitoring Plugs: Visibility That Drives Savings

An energy monitoring plug goes a step further by showing exactly how much electricity a device uses. This data helps identify energy‑hungry appliances and spot inefficient usage patterns. When users can see and understand smart plug electricity usage, it’s easier to make changes - like upgrading appliances, adjusting schedules or switching off those devices entirely.

Over time, these small behavioural changes can lead to meaningful savings.

Are Smart Plugs Worth It for Energy Saving?

Smart plugs are most effective when:

• Used on appliances that draw standby power
• Combined with custom schedules
• Automated, not repeatedly toggled manually

They’re not a replacement for more efficient appliances, but they complement wider energy‑saving measures and fit naturally into a smart home setup.

Smart Plugs and an Energy‑Efficient Smart Home

As part of an energy‑efficient smart home, smart plugs can save energy and work best alongside other controls such as smart heating and lighting, creating a more responsive system that minimises energy waste and maximises comfort.

The Wiser Plug: A Smart and Easy Upgrade

The Wiser Plug allows you to control and monitor appliance energy use from anywhere, helping reduce standby power and improve visibility of electricity usage.

Automate devices to enhance convenience, like turning on a slow cooker full of ingredients while you’re at the office, for a perfectly cooked meal when you arrive home. Schedule lamps in the evening to create a cosy space, even team your smart plugs up with Wiser Home app features like Moments and Away Mode to create custom automations.

As an added benefit, Wiser’s truly multi-purpose smart plug also acts as a signal range extender for the Wiser system - boosting connectivity across your home. Discover how the Wiser Plug can support a more energy‑efficient smart home and enhance control of your space.