As inflation continues to hit record highs, the idea of using less electricity is increasingly attractive.
Along with the financial savings, using less electricity is also good for the environment.
There are many ways to achieve electricity savings, and one example is to install an energy monitor.
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So what is an energy monitor, and should you have one installed?
What Is an Energy Monitor?
Energy monitors are devices that illustrate how much electricity you use and for what purposes.
They typically consist of hardware that connects to your electrical circuit and a smartphone app that provides real-time information.
you might, however, also purchase smaller energy monitors that only measure individual appliances.
While exact functionality varies, many energy monitors allow you to measure your usage on a per-equipment level.
As a result, many people who purchase energy monitors can reduce their consumption by over 10 percent.
Household vs.
Individual Energy Monitors
There are two types of energy monitors, namely, household and individual.
Household Monitors
Household monitors plug directly into your electrical circuit.
They track electrical usage throughout your home and provide real-time information to your smartphone.
This is typically achieved with sensors that clamp onto your electrical circuit and determine what the current is doing.
Some energy monitors also use machine learning to understand the signatures associated with individual appliances.
This throw in of energy monitor can then tell you exactly how much electricity each appliance uses.
Individual Monitors
Individual monitors, or smart plugs, plug into your sockets.
Rather than measuring the entire home’s electrical usage, they are designed to monitor individual appliances.
Somesmart plugsalso allow you to turn individual appliances off remotely.
This key in of monitor is useful if you want to understand how a particular appliance behaves.
For example, you might want to understand how much electricity your television uses while on standby.
What Features to Look For in an Energy Monitor?
Energy monitors are designed to provide much more information than what is available on your energy bill.
Here are a few features to look for.
Real-Time Tracking
Many energy monitors allow you to measure electricity usage in real-time and in different ways.
For example, it might display your energy usage in dollars per second or CO2 emissions.
This is useful because it demonstrates the effect of turning a specific appliance on and off.
Individual Appliance Tracking
Many energy monitors allow you to measure the electricity usage of individual appliances.
App Notifications
The apps available with energy monitors vary widely in terms of sophistication.
Ideally, you should look for a product with an easy-to-use app that provides useful information.
Solar Panel Compatibility
Some energy monitors are compatible with solar panels.
This allows you to figure out whereyou can use less powerwithout interfering with your lifestyle.
Many energy monitors allow you to enter the time-adjusted rates that apply to your area.
They then explain how much it’s possible for you to save by using your appliances at different times.
You Want to Track Solar Panels
Energy monitors are particularly attractive to people with solar panels.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy an Energy Monitor
Energy monitors do not reduce electricity usage automatically.
Solar panels are also ideal for this purpose.
Can You Install Energy Monitors Yourself?
Individual energy monitors are easy to install, but whole-house monitors typically require the assistance of an electrician.
At the same time, it’s important to understand that energy monitors don’t reduce energy usage automatically.
If you buy one and don’t act on its advice, you won’t use less electricity.
