You already know that going solar is a smart move — but did you also know that you can save even more money on your energy bills by investing in smart devices? Retailers are now offering a variety of devices to help you minimize wasted energy in your home. Two of the newest players on the market are advanced power strips and smart plugs. Read on to find out how these smart devices can help you save over $200 per year.

Understanding vampire load

Vampire Load, also known as phantom load or standby power, is a phenomenon where electronic devices consume energy even when they are not actively in use or turned off. This subtle energy drain occurs because many modern appliances and gadgets continue to draw power as long as they are plugged into an outlet. This constant energy consumption can have a significant impact on household energy bills.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the average American spends about $1,444 annually on electricity, with roughly 14% of that potentially attributed to vampire energy. This means that households could be spending upwards of $200 each year on energy that they aren't actively using.

Smart devices like advanced power strips and smart plugs have been developed to combat this wasteful energy expenditure. These devices are designed to reduce or eliminate vampire load by cutting off power to electronics when they are not in use or according to a set schedule. By intelligently managing the power supply to household devices, these smart solutions offer an effective way to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and, consequently, lower energy bills.

Advanced power strips: a smart solution

Advanced Power Strips (APS) are a modern solution to reduce wasted energy in homes and offices. They are designed to minimize the "phantom power" or "vampire power" consumed by electronic devices, even when they are turned off but still plugged in. By intelligently managing the power supply to connected devices, APS can significantly lower electricity bills and reduce energy waste. Below are a few types of advanced power strips and how they work.

1. Timer Power Strips: These APS are equipped with timers to control outlet power based on a programmed schedule. They are ideal for devices with predictable usage patterns, automatically turning off power to save energy.

2. Activity Monitoring Power Strips: These strips use sensors to detect activity in the room. If no movement is detected for a set period, they automatically cut power to the switched outlets, effectively reducing vampire load.

3. Remote Switch Power Strips: Offering the convenience of a remote control to manage the power strip, these APS allow users to turn off switched outlets remotely, helping to control outlet power and reduce energy consumption.

4. Master-Controlled Power Strips: These strips use a master outlet to control additional outlets. When the device in the master outlet is turned off, power to the switched outlets is also cut off, preventing wasted energy.

5. Masterless Power Strips: These APS automatically cut off power when all connected devices are turned off. A masterless power strip does not require a specific control device, making it versatile for various settings.

Smart plugs: single-outlet energy savers

Smart plugs are innovative devices that transform ordinary appliances into smart home gadgets. By connecting to these plugs, appliances like lamps, fans, and coffee makers can be controlled remotely or through voice commands. This is achieved by managing the power flow to the device plugged into the smart plug.

Unlike advanced power strips that control multiple devices, smart plugs are designed for single outlets, offering more focused and individualized control. They are particularly useful for appliances that don't need continuous power, allowing users to turn them on or off as needed through a smartphone app or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

Smart plugs also offer remote scheduling capabilities, enabling users to set specific times for devices to turn on or off. This is especially handy for managing devices like lights or fans, ensuring they are only in use when needed.

Choosing the right device for your home

Selecting the right energy-saving device for your home requires a careful assessment of your specific needs and the types of appliances you use. Here's a quick guide to help you identify the right device for your needs:

1. Evaluating Your Appliances:

   • List appliances that often stay in standby mode, consuming energy.

   • Determine if these appliances are used together, which would be ideal for a power strip, or individually, which would suit a smart plug.

2. Understanding the Functions:

   • An advanced power strip is perfect for areas where multiple devices need power simultaneously, like entertainment systems or computer setups. It can control several devices at once and protect them from power surges.

   • Smart plugs are better suited for single appliances, offering detailed control over each outlet, including remote operation and energy monitoring.

3. Analyzing Usage Patterns for Energy Savings:

   • For devices frequently left on standby, an advanced power strip can cut off standby power, leading to energy savings.

   • For appliances used less often, smart plugs allow for scheduling and remote control, optimizing energy consumption.

4. Combining Devices for Optimal Efficiency:

   • Use advanced power strips in areas with multiple devices to manage their power supply efficiently.

   • Opt for smart plugs in areas where you need control over a single outlet, like controlling a fan or a lamp.

Both advanced power strips and smart plugs operate on the same basic principle of reducing energy waste. By strategically placing them around your home, you can manage power consumption more effectively and see a reduction in your energy bills.

The environmental and financial impact

Integrating advanced power strips and smart plugs into your home has significant environmental and financial benefits. Here's a more detailed examination:

1. Environmental Benefits:

   • Reducing standby power consumption with a power strip lowers overall home energy usage.

   • Decreases in energy waste lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Financial Implications:

   • Using an advanced power strip can save households up to $200 annually by eliminating energy waste from devices in standby mode.

   • Smart plugs offer precise control over individual outlets, leading to more efficient energy usage and cost savings.

3. Synergy with Solar Energy:

   • Combining these devices with solar energy systems maximizes energy savings.

   • This synergy ensures that the power strip and smart plugs supply power more efficiently, enhancing the benefits of solar energy.

By integrating advanced power strips and smart plugs into your home, you're actively contributing to a more sustainable future. The combination of reducing standby power, protecting against power surges, and smartly managing the supply power to your electronic devices can lead to significant environmental and financial benefits.

Installation and maintenance tips

Installing and maintaining advanced power strips and smart plugs is a straightforward process that can lead to significant energy savings. Here's a guide to help you get started:

Installation Steps for Advanced Power Strips

1. Plug In: Connect the advanced power strip to an open outlet to supply power.

2. Connect Constant Power Devices: Attach devices that always need power, like routers, to the "constant" or "hot outlets" on the strip.

3. Control Outlet: Plug your main device, such as a TV or computer, into the control outlet. This device will manage the power to all switched outlets.

4. Switched Outlets: Connect other electronics, like stereos or gaming systems, to the switched outlets. Their power will be controlled by the status of the control device.

Installation Steps for Smart Plugs

1. Plug In: Insert the smart plug into your wall outlet.

2. Device Connection: Connect your chosen appliance or device directly into the smart plug.

3. Setup: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect the smart plug to your Wi-Fi network and pair it with your smartphone or home automation system.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

• Regular Checks: Inspect both power strips and smart plugs regularly for damage or wear.

• Secure Connection: Ensure they fit snugly into the outlet and do not spark or crackle when plugged in.

• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload power strips with high-energy devices, and avoid connecting multiple power strips together.

• Water Hazard: Keep both devices away from water to prevent electrical hazards.

• Firmware Updates: For smart plugs, keep the associated app updated and install any firmware updates provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and security.

Make the switch to solar with Sunrun

Once you’ve got your electronics set up with these smart devices, you can expect to see significant savings on your energy bills. And with the price of solar energy at an all-time low, you’ll probably have the lowest energy bills on the block. Help your neighbors enjoy lower prices by letting them know about Sunrun. You’ll get $350 for each friend you refer to Sunrun through our Customer Referral Program! It’s good for you, good for them, and good for the planet.