Whether you're a smart device expert or a home automation newbie, smart plugs are a great addition that can make your home more energy efficient. Their advanced features can help you save a little extra time and money, too. Here are six creative ways you can use smart plugs around the house.

1. Charge multiple types of devices

Whether you have a two-prong, three-prong or USB plug at the end of a cord, smart plugs can handle them all. Smart plugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some ideal for space-saving situations and others fully equipped to handle a variety of appliances and devices.

2. Pinpoint energy-wasting appliances

Want to know exactly how much it costs to run your appliances and devices? Smart plugs can track how much electricity your appliances use, helping you determine if it's time to upgrade to a more efficient model.

3. Connect with other smart devices

You can get the most out of your smart plug and control your devices from anywhere by connecting it with a smartphone app or a voice assistant like Amazon's Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant.

4. Keep your home safe

Smart plugs can reduce the chance of electrical fires by automatically switching off appliances like space heaters and electric blankets. To ward off burglars, you can set timers for lights near windows to make it seem like your home is occupied when you're away.

5. Start cooking before you get home

Want to get a head start on dinner? Plug your slow cooker into a smart plug, prep a meal and then use a connected smartphone app to turn on the slow cooker from anywhere. That way, you'll have a perfectly stewed meal waiting for you when you get home.

6. Make holidays more jolly

Plug your festive light displays into a smart plug so you can create a schedule and have them turn on and off at set times. Or, make Halloween a little spookier by turning lamps on and off through a connected smartphone app.

Smart plugs won't cost you much, and they're easy to install — just plug them into an outlet, and you're ready to go. Regardless of how you intend to use your smart plug, it's undeniable that investing in this helpful technology is a wise move.