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Knowledge is power they say, so why not take control of your household electricity usage with a home energy monitor? Canstar Blue reviews electricity usage monitors and offers the following guide.
We all know we can reduce our power bills by switching off lights and standby appliances, but you’re sort of flying blind unless you know when or where the power is going to waste. Energy usage monitors provide useful insights to help bill-payers identify opportunities to reduce their electricity usage. Power monitors are also relatively simple to understand and more affordable than you might expect. In this guide, we discuss different types of monitors, how much they cost and what they do.
On this page:
- How do energy monitors work?
- What are the benefits of using a power consumption meter?
- How to install an energy monitor
- Types of Energy Monitors
- Best Home Energy Usage Monitors
- Home Energy Monitor Prices
- Should I buy an energy usage monitor?
How do energy monitors work?
Energy monitoring systems provide real time and historic electricity usage information, helping users identify when and how they’re using power. Particular up-market models can even analyse usage patterns to detect whichappliancesare putting a strain on your energy bill. Most power consumption meters with your tariff information can also calculate how much your electricity usage is costing you and can warn you if you’ve exceeded a pre-set usage level. Some models can also be programmed to warn customers on atime of use tariffwhen electricity is most expensive.
What are the benefits of using a power consumption meter?
One of the main benefits to using a power consumption meter is that it can help you to track your electricity usage. With this data, consumers can then determine where they could cut down their usage, which could potentially help them to save on bills or lower their carbon footprint. In addition to tracking usage though, there are some other popular uses for energy monitors. These include;
- Tracking daily/monthly/yearly electricity usage
- Monitoring solar energy generation (if you have solar panels installed)
- Investigating which devices are using up the most power
- Tracking energy habits within the home
It is important to keep in mind however, that simply installing a power monitor won’t automatically save you money on energy bills or reduce your CO2 emissions. The monitoring system rather acts as a guide to help implement changes to energy habits.
How to install an energy monitor
Energy monitors will need to be installed by a licensed electrician. Some installations will be more of a job than others, depending on the type of energy meter you have and the amount of sensors required for the power monitor.
If you have asmart meter, you can get set up with power consumption monitoring in minutes, without the need for of an energy monitor installer or electrician. But if you have a traditional meter, there may need to be additional sensors installed in order to access the necessary digital information.
Types of Energy Monitors
There are a few different types of energy monitors designed to suit different electricity meter types and budgets. Monitors can be entirely online, or wirelessly displayed on a portable screen you can place anywhere in your home.
Wireless Electricity Monitors
Wireless electricity meters are portable tablet-like devices about the size of your palm. These monitors display real time energy usage data, including average kWh usage, costs and even Co2 emissions. Wireless electricity monitors are easy to set up and use, they’re usually wall-mountable and they generally have a battery life of six to 18 months. The downside to these models is that only some of the more expensive energy monitorsdisplay historical usage information, and if they do, it’s usually only for 12 months. So, while a wireless energy monitor is handy for anyone wanting a general idea of their energy usage, any number-loving bill-payers wanting to track their historical usage and compare it to their neighbours will probablyprefer an online monitor.
Wireless energy monitors are available with both traditional and smart meters. Regardless of the meter type, you will require a qualified electrician to attach wireless energy sensors to your meter.
Online Energy Monitors
As the name suggests, online energy monitors are completely web-based and can be accessed from a desktop or through tablet and mobile apps. Online monitors are typically more accurate than wireless monitors and generally provide deeper insights into your electricity usage, including information on voltage, power factor and how your energy usage compares to other properties in your area for that time of year. Online monitors can also track solar output provided you have the rightsolar inverterand meter.
If you have a traditional meter, you can access online energy monitoring by adding an attachment to your internet router and hiring an electrician to attach a sensor to your meter. Most Australians with smart meters will automatically have access to online monitoring through their electricity retailer. Retailer monitoring portals are particularly useful as they usually include bill predictions to help you budget.
Solar Monitors
Solar monitors can track solar output, efficiency and savings. Solar monitors are usually incorporated into online electricity usage monitors, provided that you have a compatible inverter and meter. Certain wireless monitors may also include solar tracking, though they often provide limited insights.
3-Phase Power Monitors
When shopping for a power consumption monitor, you may see the term ‘3-phase’ thrown around. But what does it mean? Well for most homes, electricity is fed through a single wire, known as ‘single-phase’. If you have a large home with high-powered appliances, such asducted air conditioning, then your home demands more electricity at certain times, which requires a higher current, fed through 3 wires – hence, 3-phase.
This type of monitoring is virtually identical to single-phase energy monitoring, though installing any necessary hardware for 3-phase models is more difficult and expensive compared with single-phase monitors.
Compare Energy Plans
- NSW
- VIC
- QLD
- SA
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/yearfor a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on theEnergex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/yearfor a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/yearfor a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Best Home Energy Usage Monitors
There are plenty of home energy monitors on offer in Australia. Here are some of the most popular, excluding electricity retailers with online monitoring.
- Efergy
- Wattwatchers
- Sense
- Powerpal
- Curb
- Smappee
Keep in mind that certain monitors have very particular compatibility requirements. Be sure to get an expert opinion if you’re not sure whether your home meets the requirements for energy monitoring.
Home Energy Monitor Prices
Home energy monitors can cost anything from $50 to $500. Wireless energy monitors are generally on the more affordable end of the scale. Traditional meter owners who require an electrician to install sensors for online or wireless monitoring suites will find themselves spending the most for electricity monitoring. If you already have asmart meter installed, you should be able to access online monitoring for no upfront cost.
You might also be interested in:
- What is a good rate for electricity?
- What is the average electricity bill in Australia?
- What is the cheapest energy supplier?
Should I buy an energy usage monitor?
If you have a smart meter, then there’s no reason not to take advantage of online energy monitoring. If you have a traditional meter and require additional installations to access energy monitoring though, then it might be worth asking yourself – “If I get energy monitoring, will I use it enough to justify the expense?”
Of course, knowing is only half the battle. Even with energy monitoring, you may be paying too much for power if you haven’t shopped around recently for the best price. You can compare electricity companiesand plans across VIC, NSW, QLD and SA via the link below.
Compare Electricity Plans
FAQs
Are home energy monitors worth it? ›
While energy monitors alone will not save you money, they bring you a lot closer to the energy you are using – switch on the tumble drier, for example, and see the kWh reading soar. Energy Saving Trust reckons that the greater awareness the devices generate can wipe up to 15% off your annual energy bills.
How can I monitor my electricity usage at home? ›Stay in control with an energy monitor display. An energy monitor will accurately measure and display a household's electricity (and sometimes gas) usage in real time. This can help you understand how to cut your bills. An energy monitor display will show the impact of turning a particular light or appliance on or off.
How can I monitor my electricity usage without a smart meter? ›- Emporia Vue Smart Home Energy Monitor. ...
- OWL Intuition-E. ...
- Frient Electricity Meter Interface. ...
- TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring.
When you get smart meters installed, you'll also normally get a small portable device with a screen that shows your energy usage or prepayment balance. This is called an 'in-home display' (IHD) or a 'smart energy monitor'.
Which monitor is the most energy efficient? ›- Asus MB14AC. 14" 1080 x 1920 TFT LCD Monitor. ...
- Asus PA148. 14" 1920 x 1080 TFT LCD Monitor. ...
- Asus MB166. 15.6" 1920 x 1080 TFT LCD Monitor. ...
- Asus MB169. 15.6" 1920 x 1080 TFT LED Monitor. ...
- Asus VT168. 15.6" 1366 x 768 TN LED Monitor. ...
- HP V197. 18.5" 1366 x 768 TN LED Monitor. ...
- Samsung S22E450B. ...
- Asus PA248QV.
- Eco chargers. It's no secret that many electronics still use energy when they are turned off. ...
- Smart sockets. If you are looking for a way to save energy, you might as well start by cutting unnecessary energy use. ...
- Programmable thermostats. ...
- Energy monitors. ...
- LED light bulbs. ...
- Solar panels.
An energy monitor alone can't save you any energy - 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 behaviour and cut your gas and electricity bills.
What uses most house electricity? ›Heating and cooling: 45-50%
The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.
You don't have to accept a smart meter if you don't want one. If your supplier tells you that you must have one installed, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. If you refuse a smart meter, you might find it hard to access all tariffs.
Can I buy my own IHD? ›Replacement IHD is available to purchase now
It makes the replacement of missing, broken, or faulty and out of warranty IHDs quick and simple.
What happens if I unplug my smart meter monitor? ›
You can unplug and store the device without impacting the connection of your smart meters. As the smart meters use the Wide Area Network (WAN) to send us your meter readings, they'll be unaffected by the function of any IHD.
Should I get a smart meter 2022? ›Smart meters can help you to save money because they display your energy usage and the cost of this usage clearly on the screen. You don't have to wait for an energy reading to find out the cost of the energy you are using – cooking, TV, lights, heating water, charging devices or playing games and music, for example.
Which company has the best smart meter? ›1. Sensus. Sensus, a prominent player among the smart electric meter companies, is a leading provider of smart devices and advanced applications. The firm specializes in intelligent, connected communication technologies that help customers make timely decisions and optimize water, gas, and electricity consumption.
Which type of monitor consumes less electricity? ›LCDs consume much less power than LED and gas-display displays because they work on the principle of blocking light rather than emitting it.
Which type of monitor uses the least amount of electricity? ›Answer: The LCD monitor consumes the least amount of power. CRT LED arrow keys are used for moving through the documents or web pages.
Which type of monitor uses less power? ›LED-lit LCD monitors are significantly thinner, lighter and use less power than their CCFL predecessors. Additionally, LED diodes last longer than CCFL bulbs.
What appliances drain the most electricity? ›Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill, taking the top spot in our list. The power needed to heat the water that they use pushes up consumption, making them energy-hungry household appliances.
Is there a device that saves electricity? ›Whether it's a smart light bulb, a smart thermostat or a water-saving, low-flow smart sprinkler, there are plenty of devices on the market that can help you save money on your utilities.
Is there any device to reduce electric bill? ›Experts say a plug-in timer is a cheap and simple device that could cut your energy bills - by automatically turning off devices when you aren't using them.
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Are home energy audits worth it? ›
Even as a paid service, the upfront cost for an energy audit audit and for the following energy efficiency measures taken will be worth it when you're saving on your electricity bills later on. By making energy efficiency upgrades in your home, you can save five to 30 percent on your energy bills.
Is it worth getting an energy meter? ›Why should I get a smart meter? The main benefit of getting a smart meter is that you'll no longer need to take manual readings for your gas and electricity. With a smart meter, all that data is sent to your supplier automatically, providing them with accurate readings, so you can say goodbye to estimated bills.
Are energy saving power strips worth it? ›Given their many benefits, smart power strips are considered by many to be smart home devices that are worth it. It is hard to remember to unplug appliances to save energy. Smart power strips make saving energy easy.
Are there any disadvantages to having a smart meter? ›Although smart meters can help you keep track of your energy use, they could also drive up anxiety with elderly or low-income households if they're constantly reminded of what they're spending. This could lead to people depriving themselves of adequate heating or lights.
How do I do a home energy audit on myself? ›- Check windows for potential drafts. ...
- Check your furnace, AC, and water heater thoroughly. ...
- Check the insulation in your attic. ...
- Don't forget to check the lights. ...
- Make sure your fireplace damper is not damaged. ...
- Identify phantom appliances and electronics.
A review by Treasury's tax administration inspector general found that the IRS cannot accurately track and account for the home energy credits. The IRS does not require third-party documentation proving taxpayers actually purchased qualifying home improvements or that improvements were made at a principal residence.
How much is a energy audit? ›The average homeowner can expect to spend a minimum of $100 to about $500 for an audit, but it can cost upwards of $1,000 depending on the home. Typically, you'll see that home energy audits are billed on a per-square foot basis with rates that range from $0.10 per square foot to $0.40 per square foot.
Why you should refuse a smart meter? ›Refusing a smart meter
If you refuse a smart meter, you might find it hard to access all tariffs. This is because in future the cheaper tariffs offered by suppliers might only be available to customers with smart meters.
Smart meters can help you to save money because they display your energy usage and the cost of this usage clearly on the screen. You don't have to wait for an energy reading to find out the cost of the energy you are using – cooking, TV, lights, heating water, charging devices or playing games and music, for example.
Do smart meters make your bills higher? ›Energy companies cannot force you into having a smart meter installed. Simply installing a smart meter will not reduce your energy bill and not getting one installed will not increase your bills.
What should never be plugged into a power strip? ›
Power strips/Surge Protectors/RPT's can only be used for low power load equipment such as computers and AV equipment. They are NOT allowed to be used for high-power loads such as microwaves, coffee pots, refrigerators, toasters/toaster ovens, or space heaters. Doing so creates a serious fire hazard.
What uses most house electricity? ›Heating and cooling: 45-50%
The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.
Home office equipment such as power strips, desktop computers, monitors, printers, lamps, and anything with a digital display can use electricity even when they're turned off.
Can smart meters get hacked? ›Nick Hunn, a strategist for technology firm WiFore, says: 'Smart meters are vulnerable to hacking – with the encrypted security measures for communication in some of them providing little more than a sticking plaster against a cyber hack.
Do smart meters cost more to run? ›The smart meter itself doesn't cost you anything because it doesn't use your energy supply. Your In-Home Display – the small touchscreen device that shows your home energy usage – is powered by your electricity supply. It uses a very small amount of energy and costs between 70p and £1 a year to run.
Why are energy companies pushing smart meters? ›Smart meters are being promoted as a way of ending estimated bills and giving households real-time information on how much energy they are using. It will also allow firms to introduce a raft of new tariffs that will hit peak time users of electricity and gas with higher charges.