Managing energy use should be a top priority for every homeowner. If not for the environment, managing electricity and gas consumption can save thousands on yearly expenses, which can be put toward family needs, a vacation or other personal interests.
Today, software developers are constantly releasing fast, efficient apps to solve life’s problems, and when it comes to monitoring energy use, new apps might just hold the key to easy ‘green’ living. If you want to save on energy bills by taking advantage of the newest apps, consider these popular choices:
Thermostat Automation Apps
Perhaps the most popular type of energy-efficiency app, thermostat automation allows users to programme their thermostats from anywhere with an Internet connection. Not only can you adjust air temperatures, but these apps allow you to set timers. Ultimately, not having your A/C running while no one’s home could save you loads of money, as well as increase the lifetime of your A/C system. These apps are available for both Android and iOS.
iGo Vampire Power Calculator
Even after you’ve turned off home appliances, some may still be consuming energy. This is called ‘vampire energy’, and it may be keeping your power bills higher than you’d like. With the iGo Vampire Calculator, it’s easy to measure electricity consumption in every room of the house.
Energy UFO+
This app allows real-time monitoring of power consumption. As well, the software displays the cost associated with your energy use, allowing you to set a realistic goal for reduction.
Kill-Ur-Watts
Kill-Ur-Watts gives users easy access to tons of useful information on reducing energy use. Sometimes, small changes lead to big power savings, and Kill-Ur-Watts can provide some insider tips on curbing energy consumption.
Where Are Energy Apps Heading?
The effectiveness of energy-saving apps has inspired new, environmentally conscious Government programmes. For example, the U.S. Energy Department funded the Apps for Energy competition, which awarded prizes valuing $100,000 to software developers for creating energy apps.
With global interest and plenty of funding, these apps will continue to advance and become more multi-functional. In fact, the International Journal of Sustainable Energy states that smartphones may substantially improve home and commercial energy conservation.
As well, home automation is gradually becoming a staple in residential communities. With the technology more readily available than ever, more companies are offering automation, which helps keep the price affordable.
That said, so-called ‘smart homes’, which allow users real-time access to all of the home’s systems, will continue advancing. The A/C system, in particular, offers homeowners the opportunity to save money with responsible management. So, energy-saving apps will continue making their way onto smartphones and tablets, giving both business- and homeowners control from remote locations.
How to Maximize Your Energy Savings
Although ‘green’ apps most definitely can save a home- or business-owner money, software alone won’t minimise your energy expenses. That’s why it’s important to combine this software with smart-energy hardware, such as biomass boilers.
Biomass boilers are now available for residential and commercial purposes. They use woodchips and other organic materials to produce energy as part of an entirely sustainable system. In the long run, they can be good for both your wallet and the environment.
Gabriella Johnson is the Marketing Executive for Innasol which specialises in supplying and installing innovative renewable energy systems for businesses and home owners.