NEXT STEP SMART PLUG

 

The Best NEXT STEP Smart Plug for Automating Your Home

NEXT STEP Smart homes give homeowners control over everything from energy use to home security. But transitioning to an entirely automated home can be a little overwhelming. If you don’t already have a smart home hub, smart plugs might be the perfect compromise. Smart plugs (sometimes known as smart sockets or smart outlets) let homeowners turn any device into a smart device.

Once you discover the many common uses for smart plugs, you’ll get a feel for how making your home smarter can improve your life.

What are NEXT STEP smart plugs and what do they do?

So what are smart plugs, anyway? Looking a lot like travel adaptors, these small devices turn any regular light or appliance into a smart appliance that can be controlled by an app or voice assistant. Next Step Power Plug, can also monitor energy usage and control other smart devices. And the best part is how simple they are: All you do is plug any appliance into the smart plug and then plug the smart plug into the wall socket.

NEXT STEP Smart plugs connect to an app on your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to control whatever appliance is connected to that plug, often without the need for a separate smart hub.

  • NEXT STEP Lights. Try combining smart plugs with motion detectors to turn on lights when you enter a room. Or create scenes to adjust when outdoor or ornamental lights are in use. Or decrease the power consumption of your Festival lights during the holidays. Pairing the Power Plug with smart light bulbs saves you energy, conveniently allows you to control lights remotely and adds security by turning on lights when you’re away.

  • NEXT STEP Smart thermostats. One of the benefits of a smart plug like the Power Plug is that it can be used to control a compatible smart thermostat via its built-in hub. You can raise the temperature on a frosty morning without getting out of bed. Or you could schedule different temperatures when you’re out of the house to save energy.

  • Televisions and computers. One of the most common smart plug uses is to reduce energy consumption of power-hungry devices. Use scenes to monitor when computers and televisions receive power to create routines for children or to turn off devices at specific times.

  • Gaming systems. Gaming consoles are notorious for consuming energy even when turned off. Cutting off power at the plug can save you money.

  • Coffee makers. Connect your coffee maker to a smart plug and set a time for it to turn on, and you’ll wake up to fresh coffee every morning. Program your smart plug to decrease the coffee maker wattage or turn the pot off after a set amount of time.

  • Refrigerators. Monitor your freezer or refrigerator energy consumption. But be sure to check if the energy rating of your smart plug is safe to handle the energy needs of your refrigerator or freezer.

  • Washing machines. Receive notifications of when a cycle is finished and improve your washer’s energy usage by automating run times during off-peak hours.

  • Slow cookers. A common use for smart plugs is to have dinner ready when you get home by scheduling your slow cooker to turn on at a specific time of day. 

  • Battery chargers. Older battery rechargers don’t always have the most effective automatic shut-off features. Use a smart plug to turn off power after a set amount of time.

  • Space heaters. Smart plugs make a lot of sense for portable heaters. Aside from the convenience of turning them on remotely to warm a room before entering, you’ll also be able to monitor their energy use.

  • Sound systems. Controlling the music around your home is a wonderful convenience. But being able to turn on and off your sound system from anywhere can also add an element of security. You can deter break-ins by creating the illusion that someone’s home even if they aren’t.

Best Smart Plug Buying Tips

With multiple smart plugs on the market, how do you choose the best smart outlet for your needs? Here are some things to keep in mind!

  • Select a smart plug that works with your home. Smart plugs can function without a home automation hub, but if you have an existing home network, it makes sense to purchase plugs that are compatible with your system. If you’re planning on adding a smart home hub in the future but are unsure which type you want, choose smart plugs that integrate with multiple automation networks. 
  • Look at smart plug specs and capacity. Have some idea what function your smart plugs will serve and understand the load capacity you need. For instance, homeowners often want smart plugs to control air conditioners, but air conditioners usually draw more power than the plugs can handle. Always check smart plug specs before buying. The Power Plug can service large window AC units, providing up to a 110 volt supply (resistivity: 15 amps, or 1,800 watts, maximum; 120 VAC).

  • Look for smart design. One of the best things to use NEXT STEP Smart Plugs for is controlling devices from hard-to-reach outlets. As a result, plugs come in a variety of styles and shapes. Poorly designed plugs can block other outlets, so consider the shape of the plug you need, and look for smart plugs from trusted manufacturers. The Power Plug sports a compact design that won’t block the other opening in your wall outlet.

  • Use smart plugs with devices already in your routine. What devices are part of your regular home routine? Are you a person who needs coffee within 10 seconds of waking up? Do you turn on the dishwasher in the morning or at night? The best smart plug uses can be determined by identifying the devices you use the most.
When it comes to convenience and energy efficiency, smart plugs are an important part of any home automation system. And with the Power Plug, you can have the best of both worlds — a compact, portable smart outlet and a control, all in one. But whether you want to start simple with a smart plug or go all-in with a full smart home system like NEXT STEP Automation, you’ll be able to take control of your home’s many electronic devices while reducing your energy consumption. And with the affordable options currently available, it’s never been a better time to make your house into a smart home.

                NEXT STEP AUTOMATION "YOUR COMFORT IS OUR PRIORITY"




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