Everything you need to know about home energy monitors

An energy monitor is a device that tracks and displays your household's energy consumption in real-time. It provides information on how much electricity different appliances and devices are using, allowing you to identify energy-hungry items and adjust your usage to save energy and reduce costs.

Energy monitors typically connect to your home's electrical panel or individual appliances to gather data and display it in a user-friendly format, such as through a mobile app or a dedicated display unit.

How does an energy monitor work?

Energy monitors work by measuring the electrical current flowing through the wires in your home. These monitors offer both immediate and historical data on electricity consumption, aiding users in understanding their power usage patterns.

Some advanced models can analyse these patterns to pinpoint which appliances are driving up energy costs. Additionally, monitors with access to your tariff details can estimate the cost of your electricity usage and alert you if you surpass a set usage threshold.

This feature is particularly useful for monitoring time-of-use tariffs, especially for identifying peak and off-peak periods. An overview of how they work:

• A monitor is installed at your home's electrical panel, where it can measure the total electricity usage of your household.
• It uses sensors to detect the magnetic field created by the electrical current flowing through the wires. By measuring this magnetic field, the monitor can determine how much electricity is being used.
• An energy monitor then collects data on your electricity usage over time, typically in intervals ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes.
• Energy data is displayed in a user-friendly format, such as on a digital display unit or through a mobile app. This allows you to see how much electricity you're using in real-time and track your usage over time.
• Some energy monitors also provide analysis and insights into your electricity usage, such as identifying which appliances are using the most energy and how you can reduce your usage to save money.

Energy monitors are designed to help you become more aware of your electricity usage and empower you to make informed decisions to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills.

What are the benefits?

Using an energy monitor offers many benefits for managing electricity usage in your home. Here's how:

Tracking usage

With an energy monitor, you can easily track how much electricity you're using. This data helps you pinpoint areas where you can reduce usage and potentially save on your power bills.

Monitoring solar energy generation

If you have solar panels, an energy monitor can track how much energy your panels are generating, helping you maximise your solar investment.

Ranking high-use devices

Energy monitors can show you which devices in your home are using the most power. This information can help you make informed decisions about which appliances to replace or how to use them more efficiently.

Identifying usage patterns

By tracking your energy usage over time, you can identify patterns and habits that may be driving up your electricity costs. This awareness can lead to more energy-conscious behaviour.

It's important to note that while an energy monitor can provide valuable insights, it's up to you to make changes to your energy habits to see real savings on your bills.

Types of energy monitors

Energy monitors come in a range of styles to accommodate different budgets and lifestyles. Here are a few examples:

Wireless electricity monitors

These devices resemble tablets and communicate with sensors attached to your electricity meter. They provide real-time data on your energy usage.

Online electricity monitors

Similar to wireless monitors, these devices provide data through the internet or a smartphone app, eliminating the need for a separate display tablet.

Smart plugs

These plugs monitor the energy usage of individual appliances or power outlets. Some smart plugs also offer remote control via smartphone apps and require a suitable Wi-Fi connection.

Energy monitors in Australia

There are several energy monitor brands available in Australia, offering a range of features and price points. Some popular brands include:

Efergy

Efergy is a top energy monitor brand in Australia, offering easy-to-use solutions for managing electricity. The monitor provides real-time data on energy use, helping users track and understand their consumption habits. The device is simple to install and offers a clear display for easy monitoring.

One standout feature is its compatibility with solar panels, allowing users to track both electricity usage and solar energy production. This feature helps users maximise their solar investment and reduce reliance on the grid.

Efergy's energy monitor is a great choice for those wanting to save energy, cut electricity costs, and live more sustainably.

Owl

Owl is a well-known energy monitor brand in Australia, offering easy-to-use devices for managing electricity. The monitor shows real-time energy data, helping users track their usage and find ways to reduce it.

One of its key features is wireless connectivity, allowing monitoring from anywhere in the home. It also provides insights into energy usage trends over time, aiding informed decisions about consumption.

The Owl monitor is compatible with solar panels, allowing users to track solar energy production and usage. Tracking both of these things ensures that users can reduce grid reliance.

Powerpal

Powerpal is a simple energy monitor that helps you track your electricity usage in real-time. It attaches to your electricity meter and sends data to your smartphone, showing you how much energy you're using and when.

This helps you identify energy-wasting habits and appliances so you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your bills. Easy to install without needing an electrician, it’s a convenient and effective way to become more energy-conscious.

Smappee

The Smappee Energy monitor tracks real-time power use and solar production, helping households save energy and manage costs.

It's easy to install and offers remote appliance control through the Smappee Switch. Integration with the IFTTT platform allows for smart device management.

Enphase

The Enphase Energy Monitoring System is a comprehensive solution for tracking and managing solar energy production and consumption in homes.

It provides real-time data on energy generation from solar panels, as well as information on household energy usage.

One of the key features of the Enphase system is its Enlighten software, which allows users to monitor their energy production and usage from anywhere with an internet connection.

The system also offers detailed insights into energy production trends over time, helping users optimise their solar energy system for maximum efficiency.

PowerSensor

PowerSensor is an energy monitor that helps you track your electricity usage in real-time. It shows you how much energy your appliances are using, so you can identify which ones are using the most power.

This information helps you make changes to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills. Easy to install and use, PowerSensor is a great tool for managing your energy usage more efficiently.

Neurio

Neurio offers an advanced home energy monitoring and management system that provides real-time data on energy usage, helping homeowners make informed decisions about their energy consumption.

Unlike other systems, Neurio can monitor individual electrical appliances and solar power generation, offering a comprehensive view of energy usage patterns.

The data collected by Neurio is stored on a cloud-based platform, accessible from smartphones or any internet-connected device. This allows homeowners to track their energy usage and make adjustments to reduce consumption.

One of Neurio's unique features is its ability to compare a home's energy efficiency with others in the area. This information can help homeowners understand how their energy usage compares and identify areas for improvement.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other energy monitor brands available in Australia, each offering its own unique features and benefits.

How do you install a home energy monitor?

Installing an energy monitor typically involves attaching sensors to the electricity meter at your property. This work should be done by a licensed electrician.

The complexity of the installation can vary depending on the type of energy meter you have and the number of sensors needed for the energy monitor.

Energy monitors vs smart meters

A home energy monitor and a smart meter serve different purposes, though they both relate to monitoring and managing energy usage in the home.

Home energy monitor

• Function: A home energy monitor is a device that provides real-time information about your home's energy consumption. It typically displays data such as current energy usage, costs, and sometimes even historical data.
• Usage: Home energy monitors are typically used by homeowners who want to track their energy usage more closely to identify ways to reduce consumption and save money.
• Installation: They are often installed by homeowners themselves and do not require any involvement from energy providers.

Smart meter

• Function: A smart meter is a digital meter that records the amount of electricity and gas you use and communicates this information directly to your energy supplier for billing and monitoring purposes.
• Usage: Smart meters are used by energy companies to accurately measure usage and bill customers accordingly. They also enable features like time-of-use pricing and remote meter readings.
• Installation: Smart meters are typically installed by energy companies and are gradually replacing traditional meters in many regions.

While both devices provide information about energy usage, a home energy monitor is more focused on providing detailed real-time data for homeowners. A smart meter is primarily used by energy providers for billing and monitoring purposes.

Is it worth buying a home energy monitor?

Purchasing an energy monitor can be a worthwhile investment for many people. These devices provide valuable insights into your energy usage, helping you identify areas where you can reduce consumption and save money on your electricity bills.

By monitoring your energy usage in real-time, you can make more informed decisions about your energy usage habits and adjust them accordingly. Additionally, some energy monitors can also help you track the performance of your solar panels, if you have them installed.

Need a new supplier?

If you’d like to switch energy providers or you need some insight into how you could save on your energy bills, talk to the team at Compare Energy.