Many households are shocked to discover how much electricity their devices are using when they are not in active use. Left plugged in, even standby devices can quietly drain power throughout the 7. This is where smart plugs come in. These inexpensive devices let you monitor exactly how much energy each powered device is consuming, giving you the metrics needed to identify the biggest power guzzlers in your home.

Start by replacing a few standard outlets, especially those connected to devices you suspect are using a lot of power. Common culprits include older televisions, tower PCs, video game units, digital-clock-equipped brewers, and phone chargers left plugged in. Once installed, most smart plugs link via a dedicated platform that shows real time and historical energy usage. Look for patterns. Is that kettle drawing power even when it’s off? Is the display still using electricity in power-saving state?

You might be shocked to find that a one appliance, like a cable box or a space heater, is responsible for a significant chunk of your monthly bill. Once identified, you can take action. Unplug the device when not in use, or set a timer to cut power when unused. Some smart receptacle neutral wire required plugs even let you set alerts when usage exceeds a certain threshold, helping you prevent small drains from becoming big costs.

The great thing about energy monitoring insights is that it turns guesswork into facts. Instead of guessing what’s draining power, you know precisely where power is being used. Over time, minor adjustments—like disconnecting an infrequently used appliance or switching to an energy efficient model—can lead to significant reductions in your utility costs. You’ll also cut greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating idle energy waste.

Start with just a few smart devices and analyze energy patterns for a week. You’ll almost certainly uncover at least one device that’s adding unseen costs to your bill. Once you view the data, reducing usage feels simple—and the cost reductions compound quickly.