How much money could an energy monitor save you?
An energy monitor alone can't save you any energy directly- but it will make you aware of just how much energy you're using, so it's a great tool to help you change your behavior and cut your gas and electricity bills. With energy monitors it can become clearer what the true effects are of leaving multiple appliances on standby, or having a change in circumstance such as people being at home more often, so it can do help you save money indirectly.
What should you consider when comparing energy monitors?
Energy monitors vary considerably in terms of their features and how much they cost, so you might want to compare a few different models before you buy one. Some of the most convenient features and benefits of energy monitors include:
- A display that shows your current energy use
- Wireless connectivity, and a portable display so you can move it around your home
- The ability to look at historical data including daily, weekly and monthly usage.
- How much you want to pay for an energy monitor will depend on your circumstances, but it's good to remember that in most cases you are likely to make your money back if you try to reduce your energy usage as a result of buying an energy monitor.
How else can you save energy?
Using an energy monitor is a great way to measure your current energy usage and may even encourage you to use less, but it's no substitute to making changes to your home and your own energy habits.
Before you consider an energy monitor you should make sure your home is already as energy-efficient as possible. Ensuring your home is adequately insulated is the first step.