Freyja Burch
Monitoring your watt usage at the outlet can help you save money on your electricity bill. Devices like smart plugs and power strips can help you monitor and control your energy usage.
Smart plugs are a simple and affordable way to monitor your energy usage at the outlet level. You can plug them into an outlet, and then plug your device or appliance into them. They will monitor how much energy that item is using, and you can shut off the power supply when it's not needed. Some smart plugs also offer features like remote control and scheduling.
If you're looking for a whole-house energy monitoring solution, there are devices like the Emporia Vue, which can monitor multiple circuits independently and provide a detailed breakdown of your energy usage.
By using these tools, you can identify energy vampires—devices that are sucking away power even when they're in standby mode—and take steps to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basic outlet monitoring | Smart plugs or smart power strips |
| Plug into an outlet, then plug your device or appliance into it | |
| Monitor the amount of energy that item is using | |
| Shut off power supply when you don't need it | |
| Options include Kill-A-Watt, GreenSwitch, and Wattson | |
| Whole-house power monitors | Devices that monitor whole-home energy use are called power monitors |
| Enter information about the devices you want to monitor and your energy bills | |
| Let you know how much electricity your home is using and what that is costing you | |
| Options include Home Joule, Power2Save, and Black & Decker Power Monitor | |
| Advanced smart homes | Systems like Agilewaves and smart home appliances work in conjunction to give you a thorough and interactive look at your home's energy use |
| Smaller-scale (and less expensive) versions include Smartlinc or HomeManageables | |
| Going whole hog with smart home appliances, metering, and software is something to consider for some serious energy efficiency |
What You'll Learn
Smart plugs and power strips
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25) is a reliable smart plug that includes real-time energy monitoring and an Away Mode. It's widely compatible with all the major smart-home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It's also available in a pack of four, making it a great value option.
If you're looking for an outdoor smart plug, the TP-Link Tapo TP25 Outdoor Plug is a great choice. It has a robust IP65 weather-resistance rating and independently controllable dual outlets. It can also track device running time and is compatible with all major smart-home platforms via Matter.
For a multi-plug option, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300) is a versatile choice. It turns one outlet into six independently controlled smart ones and includes three USB ports. It offers energy monitoring, sunrise/sunset scheduling, and an Away Mode. However, it's important to note that it doesn't support Apple Home.
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Plug load monitors
There are a variety of plug load monitors available on the market, offering different features and compatibility with smart home systems. Some popular options include:
- BN-Link BNC-60: This is a slim and low-priced smart plug that can read voltage and current directly. It integrates well with Amazon and Google home-automation protocols and also offers more sophisticated control with IFTTT or DIY home automation servers.
- Fayleeko: This stand-alone plug-in monitor features a large, backlit screen that makes it easy to read power measurements such as current draw, voltage, power factor, elapsed time, and total cost of power used. It also has an internal battery that saves power consumption data even when unplugged.
- Emporia Vue: This whole-home energy monitor allows you to track energy usage for individual circuits in your home. It requires installation by a qualified person but offers detailed information about your power usage and is compatible with solar power systems.
- Kasa Smart Plug: This smart plug works with Apple HomeKit, Siri, Alexa, and Google Home. It offers scheduling and remote control through a reliable app and is UL-certified for safety.
- TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug: This energy-monitoring smart plug is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It has a compact design and is ETL-certified for safety.
- Eve Energy Outlet: This smart outlet and power meter offer app and voice control and work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. It prioritises privacy and does not require a bridge or additional hardware.
When choosing a plug load monitor, consider factors such as smart home system compatibility, solar system compatibility, size, screen readability, and power factor measurement. Additionally, be mindful of potential security risks associated with internet-connected smart devices.
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Whole-house power monitors
Emporia Vue
The Emporia Vue is a flexible and affordable whole-house power monitoring system. It comes with sensors for eight circuits and includes solar power system compatibility. The installation requires attaching clamp-style sensors to individual breaker wires and wiring up power to the control box. The Emporia app provides a detailed view of your home's energy usage and allows you to track specific rooms or appliances.
Sense Energy Monitor
The Sense Energy Monitor is an iOS and Android mobile app that helps you manage your home energy use. It analyzes your home's electrical currents and identifies specific appliances by recognizing their unique electrical signatures. Sense provides real-time insights into your overall energy usage and offers tips to help you save energy and money.
IoTaWatt
IoTaWatt is a cloud-based whole-house power monitoring solution. It offers plenty of options and can easily integrate with common database types like InfluxDB. It is reasonably priced and provides detailed insights into your home's energy usage.
Shelly 3EM
The Shelly 3EM is another option for whole-house power monitoring. It is a reliable choice that can be installed at your own risk.
SquareD, Eyedro, and Sonoff
Other options mentioned in forums include SquareD, Eyedro, and Sonoff, which offer whole-house power monitoring solutions. However, there are limited details provided about their features and performance.
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Smart home appliances
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are a simple and affordable way to monitor energy usage at individual outlets. They are small devices that are plugged into a wall socket, and then the appliance is plugged into the smart plug. These plugs connect to Wi-Fi and can provide information on energy usage through a smartphone app. Some examples of smart plugs include:
- BN-Link BNC-60: This smart plug is easy to set up and affordable, allowing you to monitor multiple outlets. It integrates with Amazon and Google home automation protocols and can be controlled through a reliable app.
- Kasa Smart Plug: This smart plug works with voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home. It provides energy monitoring and can be controlled through an app.
- TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug: This plug is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It offers energy monitoring and can be controlled through an app.
- Emporia Smart Plug: This smart plug provides energy monitoring and is compatible with Alexa and Google. It has a continuous current rating of 10A and a maximum current rating of 15A.
Whole-House Power Monitors
For monitoring energy usage throughout the entire home, a whole-house power monitor is a more comprehensive solution. These systems have sensors that connect to the electrical panel or meter and track the energy usage of each appliance. Some examples include:
- Emporia Vue: This system comes with eight or sixteen sensors that clamp onto individual circuits in the breaker box. It provides real-time data on energy usage and can be controlled through a smartphone app. It is compatible with solar power systems and can monitor energy generation and consumption.
- Sense Energy Monitor: This whole-house energy monitor uses machine learning to recognize individual devices and provide detailed information on energy usage. It integrates with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant and can send notifications about energy usage.
- Eyedro Home Energy Monitor: This monitor uses sensors that clip into the electrical panel and transmit data to an online dashboard. It offers real-time data and alerts and can be installed in about 15 minutes.
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Smart bulbs
When choosing smart bulbs, it is important to consider the compatibility with your existing smart home system, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Ensure that the bulbs you select can be seamlessly integrated into your current setup. It is also worth noting that some smart bulbs may require a hub or bridge to function, so be sure to check the requirements before purchasing.
Furthermore, pay attention to the type of lighting and the lumen output to ensure the bulbs meet your desired brightness and colour temperature needs. Some smart bulbs offer adjustable white colour temperatures, allowing you to change the lighting atmosphere from warm to cool white. Additionally, look for energy-efficient options, such as LED bulbs, which consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can further contribute to energy savings.
By leveraging the features of smart bulbs, you can effectively monitor and manage your energy usage at the outlet level. This can help you identify areas where you can cut back on electricity usage, ultimately leading to cost savings on your utility bills.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple and affordable way to monitor watt usage at an outlet is to use a smart plug. Smart plugs are devices that can be plugged into an outlet, and then you can plug your appliance into the smart plug. It will monitor the amount of energy the appliance is using, and you can also use it to shut off the power supply when the appliance is not in use. Some examples of smart plugs include the Kill-A-Watt, GreenSwitch, and Wattson.
Yes, there are smart plugs that are compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. For example, the Kasa Smart Plug Mini works with all three of these voice assistants and is available in packs of four.
Yes, smart plugs can be used to automate and control your appliances, which can help with saving energy. For example, the SwitchBot Smart Plug Mini can be controlled via an app or voice assistant to turn appliances on or off, and it also has an energy monitoring feature to help you track energy usage.
Yes, an alternative to smart plugs is to use a power meter. A power meter is a device that can be plugged directly into an outlet, and then you plug your appliance into the power meter. It will display the watt usage of the appliance in real-time, allowing you to monitor its energy consumption. Some examples of power meters include the P3 Kill A Watt EZ and the SURAILEC Watt Meter.
