Smart home technology has rocketed over the last decade, allowing homeowners to be more aware of their energy consumption.
Climate change is a hot topic right now and devices and apps can not only make life more convenient but also save energy, money, and help you do your bit for the environment.
It’s never been easier to control your energy usage. Which is good news for your wallet and the planet too.
Let’s look at some of the apps and devices out there that can help you save energy.
What are the best (free) apps to save energy?
There are so many apps out there, it can be hard to know which ones are best. We’ve done the hard work for you.
1. Energy Consumption Analyzer
This app allows you to keep track of how much energy you’re using in one place. The platform can take some getting used to but once you master it, your gas, electricity, and water can all be tracked. You can see accurate data using regular meter readings.
You can:
- Add notes to see why your usage is higher or lower such as when you’re on holiday or family are staying
- See a graph of your usage
- Set goals to reduce your energy use
- Prepare for your next bill so there are no unpleasant surprises
2. Eco Charger
Many of us over-charge our phones without realizing it. With modern fast-charge technology, phones are fully charged in around 2 hours. Eco-chargers let you know when your phone is fully charged, so you don’t use more energy than necessary.
- An automatic notification and alarm tell you when to unplug
- Preserve the lifespan of your phone’s battery
- Only use the energy you need to
3. JouleBug
Joulebug makes you more aware of your energy usage and helps you make your habits more sustainable. It is designed to make saving energy more fun and social by making small changes that can make a big difference.
- Earn rewards and badges
- Share your achievements on social media
- Online community of Joulebug users to share advice and get inspiration
- Customisable to suit your household habits and usage
What are the best devices and products to save energy?
As well as apps, there are devices in the market that are specifically designed to help you save energy. They help you be aware of how much you’re using and highlights where you could be using less. Here are some of the best devices to save energy:
1. Motion sensors
Motion sensors are a great way to only use the energy you need. The sensor turns the light on when it is triggered so lights aren’t on unnecessarily. They also detect the amount of natural light in the room, so are not activated in daylight. They only provide light when it’s needed.
- Sensors turn off automatically, so lights are not accidentally left on
- Only works with Philips Hue Lightbulbs, which are more expensive than regular light bulbs
2. Radiator foil
Radiator foil is a very simple principle that can stop heat loss in your home. The reflective foil works by reflecting the heat into the room rather than being lost due to poor radiator placement or absorption into the walls.
- Simply fix the foil behind your radiators
- Easy to install
- Can significantly reduce heat loss
3. Energy monitor devices (with app)
Many devices now work alongside apps, meaning you can check and manage your energy usage wherever you are with your mobile device.
The Smappee app monitors all the electrical devices in your house via a sensor on your fuse box. You’ll get live readings of each device so you can learn where you’re using the most energy. It can also deliver real-time readings from each device.
Other devices you can install in your home are:
- Smart Meters (these must be provided by your energy supplier)
- Clip sensors for individual devices
- Electricity power consumption monitors
- Hive Heating Control
4. Energy saving switches and plugs
Energy saving switches and plugs are becoming more common in households. They are a convenient way to monitor and control the device and light use in your home.
5. Light Bulbs
You may have already made the switch to energy saving lightbulbs, but there is still more you can do. You can control when your lights are on and off simply by using an app.
6. Switches
‘If you’re not using it, turn it off’ is a good rule to follow and smart switches make this even easier. They keep your energy usage to a minimum until you are ready to use it. You can turn on the device such as a kettle or other wired appliance using the smart switch.
- They can be placed on a timer, so they are not left on accidentally
- They connect to smart speakers to make it even more convenient
- Turn on the lights before you get home
- Increase security when you’re out.
