Top five benefits of having an electricity monitor

1. Energy monitors help you become more aware of the energy you’re using

Thanks to the fact that these electricity monitors show you (in kW and in real time) exactly how much energy your home is using, this helps you become much more aware of your energy use. And by putting your energy monitor in a visible place (like your kitchen, hallway or living room) you won’t be able to stop yourself from glancing at it each time you walk past – helping give you a much better idea of your day-to-day energy use.

This thinking has also been backed up by the results of a recent survey carried out by Smart Energy GB. Of the 10,000 people questioned*, 75% of those with energy monitors said their monitor had made them more conscious of their energy use. This compared with 65% of those who didn’t have one.

2. They give you a better idea of how much you spend on energy

Because energy monitors also display your energy use in pounds and pence, this really helps hit home how just much you’re spending (shock horror!) on energy. Some electricity monitors also let you set a monthly energy budget so you can see, day-by-day (or hour-by-hour if you’re anything like us here at geo!) if you’re on track to meet your target.

Again, the results of the Smart Energy GB survey supported this point – with 88% of those who have an energy monitor (versus 76% without) stating that they now have a better idea of what they are spending on energy.

3. They help you spot any devices you didn’t realise were on!

Another handy feature of electricity monitors is that they can help alert you to any home appliances you’ve accidentally left switched on.

Try this: next time you leave for work in the morning, take a quick look at your energy monitor. If you notice your current energy readings are higher than usual, this could be a sign that you’ve left a device (most likely, a light!) on. Switching it off before you leave will make sure it’s not costing you money while you’re out of the house.

4. They also make you think twice about using high-energy appliances

Now, we’re not saying you shouldn’t run your tumble dryer ever again, just that it’s worth being more mindful of how you use it. So instead of doing ten half-full loads of drying, try doing five fuller loads. The same goes for the amount of water you put in your kettle! Results from the Smart Energy GB study also showed that 66% of those with an energy monitor and smart meter are now thinking twice before using their high energy appliances. 

5. Energy monitors can prompt you to make energy-efficient changes

Because your energy monitor helps you see how much you’re spending on energy, this can prompt you to take positive steps – no matter how small they may seem – to reduce your energy use.

From gradually replacing your bulbs with LEDs to switching your old dishwasher to a more energy efficient one when it finally gives up the ghost, there are lots of little changes you can make to save energy – and money.

For more info on energy monitors

We’ve just taken a look here at five of the biggest benefits of having an energy monitor, but there are many, many more out there. If you already have an energy monitor, let us know what you like about most about it by commenting below!

And if you’re interested in getting your hands on an energy monitor, you can either a) sit back, relax and wait until you get a shiny new energy monitor installed along with your smart meter or b) take a look at the many energy monitors available out there. Rumour has it our Solo II and Minim+ energy monitors are rather good!

*Smart Energy Outlook (February 2017) by Smart Energy GB. All survey respondents have smart meters. A proportion of these participant also have an energy monitor whilst the remainder don’t.