I’m loving my Alexa smart plugs more than ever right now!
If you’re not familiar with smart plugs, they’re a simple (and pretty inexpensive) way to add Alexa control to almost any electronic device in your home.
They’re basically on/off switches that you plug your device into.
This summer, I’m using my smart plugs to control ACs and fans
… and my summer energy bill!
Easily set up Alexa routines with your smart plugs
I plug my ACs and fans into smart plugs so I can easily turn them on and off via scheduled Alexa routines that run at the same time every day (even when I’m not home).
It’s so convenient to have Alexa turn on the bedroom AC every night around my bedtime — and she can even turn it off when I’m leaving the house with a location-based routine!
The voice control is nice too!
If the temperature starts to climb in the afternoon, I can say “Alexa, turn on living room AC” to any Echo in my home instead of having to go into the living room to manually turn it on. It’s the simple things 🙂
Setting up smart plugs is *so easy*
We recommend the Amazon smart plug because it basically sets itself up.
You simply plug it into an outlet, open the Alexa app and give it a few seconds to find the plug. Tap “Devices” in the bottom navigation bar > “Plugs,” and your new smart plug will be there and ready to use!
The downside of the Amazon Smart Plug is that costs $25. Less expensive options from Kasa, Gosund and others will also work with with Alexa — and while they’re not as plug and play, the set-up is still pretty straightforward.
Pro Tips
Pro Tip #1
Give your smart plugs easy to remember names like “bedroom AC” or “living room fan” so you can actually remember what they’re called when you want Alexa to turn them on or off. Tap/click here to see how.
Pro Tip #2
If you have central air or want to get fancy, a smart thermostat that works with Alexa could enhance your climate control even more.
Pro Tip #3
I reuse the same smart plugs in the winter to run the holiday lights so I can easily ask Alexa to turn them on and off whenever I want. You could also repurpose them when AC season is over with lamps, coffee makers or any device with an on/off switch.
Pro Tip #4
If you opt for a non-Amazon brand smart plug, be sure you get one that’s labeled “Amazon Certified: Works With Alexa.”
Pro Tip #5
If you’re using it with an air conditioner, check that the smart plug you picked can manage the amount of power that needs.