Many households are unaware that how much electricity their devices are drawing when they are idle. Left plugged in, even idle appliances can quietly drain power throughout the 24. This is where intelligent outlets come in. These inexpensive devices let you monitor exactly how much energy each plugged-in appliance is using, giving you the insights needed to spot the real energy hogs in your home.

Start by installing Matter smart dimmer plugs in key locations, especially those connected to devices you suspect are using a lot of power. Common culprits include older televisions, stationary PCs, video game units, digital-clock-equipped brewers, and chargers left idle. Once installed, most smart plugs sync with a mobile app that shows live and past consumption data. Look for trends. Is that coffee maker drawing power even when it’s off? Is the television still using electricity in standby mode?

You might be stunned to find that a single device, like a set top box or a portable heater, is responsible for a significant chunk of your monthly bill. Once identified, you can act immediately. Manually turn it off when idle, or program it to shut down during off-hours. Some smart plugs even let you get warnings when energy spikes occur, helping you catch problems before they add up.

The great thing about energy monitoring insights is that it turns guesswork into facts. Instead of speculating about energy hogs, you know precisely where power is being used. Over time, simple habits—like switching off a dormant gadget or replacing with a low-power alternative—can lead to measurable drops in your monthly expenses. You’ll also cut greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating idle energy waste.

Start with one or two smart plugs and analyze energy patterns for a week. You’ll almost certainly uncover at least one device that’s costing you more than you thought. Once you understand the metrics, making changes feels obvious—and the cost reductions compound quickly.