Myth vs Fact: Do Smart Plugs Actually Save Energy When Devices Are Off?

Quick Answer

Yes, smart plugs can save energy by cutting standby power, but the savings depend on how many devices you connect and how you use them. To know if it's working, choose a plug with energy monitoring, like the Shelly Wave Plug S, and measure your actual consumption.

You've probably heard that smart plugs are a great way to reduce your electricity bill. But do they really save energy when your devices are off? The answer is yes, but not as much as you might think, and it depends on the plug and your habits.

Let's separate the myths from the facts so you can make an informed decision about using smart plugs to cut standby power.

Myth: Smart Plugs Eliminate All Standby Power

Many people assume that simply plugging a device into a smart plug means it will draw zero power when turned off. That's not entirely true. Smart plugs themselves need a small amount of electricity to stay connected to your Wi-Fi or Z-Wave network and respond to commands. This is often called 'vampire power' or standby consumption.

The key is that the standby draw of a smart plug is usually much lower than the standby draw of the devices you're turning off. For example, a TV in standby mode might consume 10-15 watts, while a smart plug might use less than 1 watt. So you still save energy, but the plug isn't a perfect zero-watt switch.

• Check the standby power of your plug: it's often listed in the specs.
• Use smart plugs on devices with high standby consumption for the biggest savings.

Fact: Smart Plugs Can Reduce Standby Energy

The main benefit of a smart plug is that it can completely cut power to a device when it's not in use. This eliminates the standby energy that many electronics draw even when they're 'off.' For devices like TVs, game consoles, and chargers, this can add up to significant savings over a year.

For example, if you have a device that uses 10 watts in standby and you turn it off for 20 hours a day, you'll save about 73 kWh per year. That's a real reduction in your electricity bill and your carbon footprint.

To maximize savings, group devices that are used together (like a TV and soundbar) on a smart plug and turn them off with a single command or schedule.

• Schedule off times for devices you rarely use in standby.
• Use a smart plug for devices that don't need to be on 24/7, like entertainment centers.

Myth: All Smart Plugs Are the Same for Energy Savings

Not all smart plugs offer the same features. Some are simple on/off switches, while others include energy monitoring that lets you see exactly how much power your devices are using. If you want to track your savings, you need a plug with energy monitoring.

For example, the Shelly Wave Plug S is a Z-Wave smart plug that includes energy monitoring. This means you can check the power consumption of connected devices in real time, helping you identify which ones are energy hogs and verify that your smart plug is actually saving you money.

• Look for a smart plug with energy monitoring if you want data, not just control.
• Energy monitoring helps you spot devices that draw more power than expected.

Fact: Energy Monitoring Helps You Save More

Energy monitoring isn't just a nice extra; it's a tool that helps you make smarter decisions. By seeing which devices use the most power, you can target the biggest energy wasters and set schedules to turn them off automatically.

With a plug like the Shelly Wave Plug S, you can access energy data through the Shelly app or your smart home system. This data can reveal surprising insights, like a device that you thought was off but is still drawing power, or a charger that's consuming more than expected.

Armed with this information, you can take action to reduce your energy consumption even further.

• Review energy reports monthly to identify trends and adjust your habits.
• Set up alerts for unusual energy spikes.

Myth: Smart Plugs Save Energy on Every Device

Smart plugs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They're most effective on devices that have a high standby draw or are left on unnecessarily. For small devices that already use very little power, the savings may be negligible.

For example, a phone charger that's not connected to a phone might draw almost no power, so putting it on a smart plug won't save much. On the other hand, a desktop computer in sleep mode can consume 20-30 watts, so a smart plug can make a big difference.

The key is to focus on the biggest energy consumers in your home and use smart plugs strategically.

• Prioritize smart plugs for devices with high standby power or that are often left on.
• Don't expect big savings from small adapters or chargers.

Fact: Smart Plugs Can Be Part of a Broader Energy Strategy

Smart plugs are just one tool in your energy-saving toolkit. Combined with other smart devices, like energy meters and sensors, you can create a comprehensive system to monitor and reduce your home's energy use.

For example, you can use a Shelly 3EM energy meter to track your whole home's consumption and identify circuits that use the most power. Then, you can use smart plugs on specific devices to control them more precisely.

By integrating smart plugs with other Shelly devices, you can automate routines that turn off non-essential devices when you're away or asleep, maximizing your savings without sacrificing convenience.

• Combine smart plugs with energy meters for a whole-home view.
• Use automation to turn off devices when you leave or go to bed.

The Verdicts

• Claim: Smart plugs eliminate all standby power: False. Smart plugs consume a small amount of power themselves to stay connected, but this is typically much less than the standby power of most devices. You still save energy, but not to zero.
• Claim: Smart plugs can reduce your electricity bill: True. By cutting power to devices in standby, smart plugs can reduce wasted energy, especially on high-consumption electronics. Focus on devices with high standby draw for the biggest impact.
• Claim: All smart plugs are equally effective: False. Plugs with energy monitoring, like the Shelly Wave Plug S, let you track real savings and identify energy hogs, making them more effective for long-term reduction. Choose a plug with energy monitoring to verify your savings.

Product Facts

• Shelly Wave Plug S: The Shelly Wave Plug S is a smart plug designed for convenient control of your home electronics. It allows you to turn devices on or off remotely via your smartphone or voice assistant. Compact design fits into standard wall outlets without blocking adjacent sockets. Compatible with Z-Wave protocol for seamless integration with smart home systems. Enables energy monitoring to track power consumption of connected devices. With energy monitoring, you can see exactly how much power your devices use when on and off, helping you identify savings and make informed decisions.
• Shelly 3EM: The Shelly 3EM is a smart 3-phase energy meter designed for accurate energy monitoring and contactor control. Measures energy consumption across three phases for comprehensive electrical oversight. Integrated contactor control enables remote switching of connected loads. Compatible with DIN rail mounting for streamlined installation in electrical panels. Part of the Shelly ecosystem, supporting seamless integration with other Shelly devices. For whole-home energy tracking, the Shelly 3EM gives you a detailed view of your consumption, so you can see the big picture and target your smart plug usage effectively.

Smart plugs are a practical way to reduce standby energy, but they aren't magic. To get the most benefit, use them on devices with high standby power and consider models with energy monitoring to track your progress. With the right approach, you can cut vampire power and lower your electricity bill—one plug at a time.