Home Energy Monitor
A home energy monitor is a device that connects to your electrical panel and allows you to monitor your power usage. These devices can help you to keep track of your electricity costs and learn about energy hogging habits. They come in a variety of models and can be configured to suit your needs. Whether you want to cut your energy bill or use less electricity, a home energy monitor is the right choice for you.
Generally, these devices are made up of two parts – a power meter and a mobile app. The power meter shows you the amount of energy used by your appliances in real time. There are also some models that can send you notifications when there is a change in the power consumption of your appliances. In addition to that, some devices have an option for alarms and alerts.
For the most accurate measurement of your energy consumption, you need to attach the monitor to your service mains. Typically, this will require a licensed electrician. If you have a solar system, you can also install a solar-ready model. With a solar-ready device, you can monitor up to five circuits.
Do You Really Need a Home Energy Monitor?
Some home energy monitors allow you to get real-time cost tracking, allowing you to watch how your electricity bills are rising. This helps you to know which appliances are consuming the most power. Another useful feature of these devices is the ability to recognize and identify phantom loads. Phantom loads are devices that consume power even when they are not connected. When you detect a phantom load, you can replace the malfunctioning appliance with an appliance that is more efficient.
One popular brand of home energy monitors lets you set an energy goal for each week or month. They also provide monthly reports of your energy usage. You can see how much you have spent on electricity, the amount of power used by each appliance, and how many days your appliances were used during.
Another brand, Smappee, is a modular, home energy monitor that is available in a wide variety of sizes. It comes with a base module that includes inputs for a gateway and external power box. The modules are daisy-chained together, so you can install multiple units.
Most of these devices are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for a budget-conscious consumer. However, some are more sophisticated than others. Depending on your needs, you can choose from different features, including the ability to set your own price and customize your budget.
Finally, a lot of these home energy monitors can communicate with other smart devices. This means that you can get additional notifications, and can even schedule when certain things should be turned off. Several systems also have voice control capabilities, which can be convenient if you have a mobility issue.
As with all smart appliances, the amount of data you get from your home energy monitor will vary depending on the product you choose. Make sure the monitor you purchase can offer you the information you need to reduce your energy consumption and make wiser decisions about your lifestyle.