Many homeowners use smart plugs to uncover hidden energy costs.

Many people assume their older TV or coffee maker is energy efficient, but without measuring, it's hard to know for sure. A no hub Matter smart plug plug connects between your appliance and the wall outlet and tracks real time energy usage through a mobile app or web dashboard.

This reveals exactly how much energy is consumed when the device appears to be turned off.

One of the biggest surprises people find is how much power devices consume in standby mode.

Devices such as DVRs, streaming sticks, and phone adapters sip power silently.

By plugging these into a smart plug, you can see exactly how much energy they use overnight or when you're away from home.

Armed with this information, you can make smarter decisions—like unplugging devices that don’t need constant power or using a power strip with a switch to cut power to multiple gadgets at once.

You can program devices to operate only during specific hours.

Perhaps your humidifier runs all night.

You can limit runtime without altering your daily habits.

You can also test new appliances before fully committing to them.

Test a potential washer, oven, or air conditioner for 72 hours to gauge real-world consumption.

Some smart plugs even offer historical data and cost estimates based on your local electricity rates.

Seeing your energy waste priced in currency drives more mindful behavior.

For those on a budget or trying to reduce their carbon footprint, this insight is invaluable.

Your zombie devices could be costing more than you think.

They’re designed for anyone—even non-tech users.

Simply plug in, connect via app, and speak commands.

Begin with your TV, computer, or charger to spot the biggest culprits.

Consistent adjustments driven by data can slash your monthly energy expenses and lower your environmental impact.