Smart Plugs: A Must-Have for Holiday Lights?

Based on reports from Consumer Reports, featured on KRGV and KSTP, smart plugs are presented as a simple and effective solution for controlling holiday lights. Let's delve into the details:

The Convenience and Safety of Smart Plugs

Consumer Reports strongly suggests that smart plugs are the easiest way to manage your holiday lighting displays. Their affordability and compatibility with popular home assistants like Alexa and Google Home are highlighted as key advantages. The ability to schedule lights to turn on and off automatically, based on sunrise and sunset times, adds significant convenience

Setting up a smart plug is described as straightforward, typically involving a mobile app for configuration and scheduling. Beyond convenience, some models offer energy monitoring and safety alerts, a crucial feature given the increased risk of home fires during the holiday season.

Safety First: Beyond Smart Plugs

The articles emphasize the importance of fire safety during the holiday season. Always ensure you have working smoke detectors. Before decorating, inspect all lights, extension cords, and plugs for damage. Use only indoor-rated cords and decorations indoors, avoid overloading outlets, and unplug all lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Additionally, the risk of falls while decorating is addressed. Wear sturdy shoes and inspect your ladder for any damage before climbing.

Specific Smart Plug Recommendations

While one source mentions a service outage preventing access to detailed product information from Consumer Reports, another source directly recommends the following:

• GE Cync Indoor Smart Plug CPLGSTDBL ($15): For indoor use.
• Amazon Basics Outdoor Smart Plug HPPA52CWBAMZ ($24): For outdoor use.

Conclusion

While not explicitly stated as a must-have, the consensus from the provided sources strongly suggests that smart plugs offer a convenient and safer way to manage holiday lights. However, remember that smart plugs are only one part of a comprehensive holiday safety plan. Always prioritize safety by inspecting your equipment, using appropriate cords and decorations, and ensuring working smoke detectors are in place.