GoKawiilSmart homes have been sold as the wave of the future, promising convenience, automation and energy savings. The reality, however, is that the more parts of your home that require consistent power, the more energy vampires are likely to quietly spike your energy bill, particularly given the rising cost of energy. The culprit is rarely a single device; typically, the issue arises from the cumulative load from dozens of “always on” gadgets that never fully power down.
If your utility bill has been especially eye-popping, your smart home setup may be part of the problem. Here are the common smart home devices you’ll want to check, along with tips for what you can safely optimize or turn off right now to save yourself a few precious dollars.
The hidden cost of always-on devices
The truth about many smart devices is that they never entirely turn off, requiring a constant trickle of electricity to stay connected to your Wi-Fi, check for updates or execute other passive features. They may always be in standby mode, awaiting a voice command or monitoring your home. This slow drain is referred to as "phantom load" or "vampire power" and can lead to significant expenses over time.
Smart speakers and displays (1.7 watts or more)
Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Devices like the Google Nest or Amazon Echo are designed to always be alert for voice commands and stay connected to the internet so they can respond appropriately. That convenience comes at a cost, but there are a few ways to mitigate the expense:
Disable any features you don't regularly use, like motion detection or continuous listening.
Turn off screens on smart displays any time they're not in use.
Unplug secondary or tertiary units in rooms where you rarely (or never) use them.
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