How to Select the Perfect Home Energy Monitor

As winter approaches, many are focusing on how to ensure their homes are energy efficient. An energy audit can uncover numerous opportunities for electricity conservation, but how do you track your progress? One of the easiest ways to monitor this is by using a home energy monitor. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one suits your needs best. We're here to guide you on the type of monitoring that fits your goals and the equipment that can help you achieve the energy savings you're aiming for.

Basic: Outlet Monitoring

The simplest method to track your home's energy consumption is by checking how much power individual outlets are using and unplugging the devices that consume unnecessary energy. These devices, known as Smart Plugs or Smart Power Strips, can be plugged into any outlet. You can then plug your appliance or device into them. They monitor the energy usage of that specific item, and you can cut off the power supply when it's not needed. Some well-known options include the Kill-A-Watt, GreenSwitch, and the more advanced Wattson.

Effective Yet Simple: Whole-House Power Monitors

This approach takes a broader perspective on your home's energy consumption.

Devices that measure overall home energy use are known as power monitors. These devices allow you to input data about the devices you want to track and your energy bills. They then calculate your total electricity consumption and the costs associated with it. The Home Joule, for example, plugs into an outlet and combines your home's energy usage rate with information about local utility costs, time of day, and weather conditions to assess whether you're overusing energy. There's also the Power2Save, which connects to your electrical panel and shows how much your current electricity consumption is costing you. A new addition to the market is the Black & Decker Power Monitor, which uses a wireless sensor near the meter to transmit data to a portable monitor inside your home. You can use it to identify the best times to turn off devices, appliances, and lights to maximize savings.

Cutting-Edge: Smart Homes

This approach provides a comprehensive view of home energy monitoring. While it can be expensive, it offers the greatest potential for energy savings. Systems like Agilewaves and smart home appliances work together to give you an in-depth and interactive perspective on your home's energy usage. More budget-friendly options include Smartlinc and HomeManageables, which let you automate your home’s devices and remotely manage energy consumption. For those looking to maximize energy efficiency, investing in full-scale smart home appliances, metering, and software is a worthy consideration. Although we will eventually be connected to a smart grid that will handle this for us, it’s still a few years away. For now, the choice to upgrade your home is yours to make.

The Final Choice

The best way to narrow your options is by deciding what level of monitoring you need, your budget, and how much you want to save. Most likely, you'll find yourself in the affordable yet effective middle ground, opting for power monitors that connect to your meter and inform you of your energy expenses.

For more details on power monitors and electricity savings, check out our Go Green Guide: Electricity.