According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American home uses about 911 kWh of electricity per month. That’s more than $100 a month for many families! But there are ways to reduce that number and save money on your energy bill, and one of the best ways to do that is by using a smart home energy monitor.
A good energy monitor will not only help you save money on your monthly energy bill, but it can also help you become more aware of how much electricity different appliances use. This is especially helpful if you are looking to make some changes to your home in order to become more energy efficient.
Many people face difficulties when trying to monitor their energy consumption, such as not knowing where to start, lacking motivation, dealing with inaccurate data and having limited data access.
And that’s where a smart home energy monitor comes in. It can provide you with real-time feedback and monitoring of your energy consumption, help you identify patterns in your energy use, and provide insights into how much electricity you’re using and where.
I have extensive experience with smart home energy monitors and have put together this guide to help you find the best one for your home. I’ll provide a review of the top energy monitors on the market, as well as information about how they work and what to look for.
Best Smart Energy Monitors Reviews – Top 5 Picks!
Now you have the basic information about energy monitors, let’s get into our top 5 picks:
Sense Smart Home Energy Monitor (Editor’s Choice)
To start things off, we have all-in-one energy monitor from Sense. This device offers a great combination of features, accuracy, and compatibility. The base unit plugs into any existing electrical panel, and it comes in both solar-friendly and non-solar variations.
The great thing about this unit is that you can purchase the base unit alone rather than with the solar attachment if you don’t already have them. If you want to switch to solar power for your home, you can buy additional sun sensors for only $50 instead of buying a new energy monitor.
The Sense monitor comes with a pair of sensors and an antenna to transmit data to the developer’s app. Whether you use iOS, Android, or the web, you’ll have access to real-time information. In addition to viewing the comprehensive data set on your mobile phone, you can also view it on a computer.
In addition, the program will evaluate your entire energy bill to determine which areas of usage typically use up the most power. You’ll be able to make your own objectives and create alerts.
During our research, we learned that the sensor contains machine learning software to recognize energy-consuming devices in your home. You can easily connect it to Amazon Alexa and other smart home hubs and assistants.
We also learned that the energy efficiency and accuracy of this item improve by 15% over time as a result of the machine learning software.
We appreciate the notifications that the software provides when certain devices or appliances in your home have been on for a lengthy period of time.
Emporia Energy Monitor (Best In The Low Budget)
The Emporia energy monitor is an excellent choice for budget-conscious households. The monitor offers plenty of features and a great dashboard for keeping tabs on your energy use.
It has actionable push notifications which can alert you when something is wrong with the system or your energy usage suddenly spikes.
It also offers 24/7 real-time monitoring, so you can see your energy use in real-time. When we tested the monitor, we found that it provided accurate readings with little to no lag time.
What makes it stand out is the ability to monitor up to 50 individual circuits and measure solar net metering. This allows you to see exactly how much energy each appliance is using, as well as how much solar energy you are generating.
Our team performed 3 tests to determine accuracy, speed and ease-of-use. The Emporia Smart Home Energy Monitor passed all of them with flying colors.
According to data collected from our tests, we give Emporia a 9 out of 10 – making it one of the best value energy monitors.
Last but not the least, it has a set of two sensors that clip onto the main electrical line going into your circuit breaker. These sensors measure the electromagnetic current. The sensors can detect the overall amount of wattage your house draws from the power grid and send this data to an attached monitor once per second.
So, if you’re looking for an accurate, reliable and budget-friendly energy monitor, the Emporia Smart Energy Monitor is a great option. In all, it is one of the best smart home energy monitors on the market.
CURB Smart Home Energy Monitoring System
The CURB Smart Home Energy Monitor is a great all-rounder that many households will find handy. Some people claimed that they were able to save more than 30% on their monthly energy bills.
We also found that these claims held up when we tested the monitor. As soon as you connect the CURB monitor to your breaker panel, you can start monitoring and seeing real-time information about your energy use.
Not only are energy-saving benefits for those who have installed solar panels in their homes, but it also helps everyone become more aware of daily electricity consumption.
Having 18 sensors in circuit breaker provides you with information about current home power consumption, solar production, and electric vehicle charging so that consumers can make changes to optimize their home’s energy efficiency.
Most customers like that the app and web portal display your home’s energy usage in a rotating radar style, which permits you to see power consumption as it happens. You can check your usage by looking at the stacked graphs over time to see a detailed account of the energy or power you have used.
Having used this device, I can tell you that it can help you monitor the energy output of any solar panels you may have installed. That’s a fantastic, energy-saving feature.
Upon installation, this unit system emphasizes the significance of helping homeowners better understand their energy costs. The unit system’s monitor can estimate your upcoming electric bill, in real time, once you select your electricity provider.
You can also use the device to figure out how much electricity your home will cost each month and to receive an alert if you are approaching your monthly budget, so you can change your behavior before spending a lot.
TOPGREENER System for Monitoring Home Energy Usage
If you’re on the lookout for an energy monitor and Smart Outlet that doesn’t require any special wiring, you now have the TOPGREENER Smart Outlet on your side with it’s energy monitoring capabilities.
It is an affordable way to monitor energy use at specific outlets, instead of investing and installing an expensive whole-home system.
You can turn on your coffee machine from bed using a laptop or mobile phone. There is no hub or subscription needed. Also, schedule your lights to turn on at the same time on a certain day and time.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are now a common feature for many latest smart home products and you get that here as well. It support all the popular home automation platforms such as IFTTT, Alexa voice control, and Google Home.
A 15A rating allows you to support larger devices like lamps and laptops, also smaller electronics such as fans and space heaters. So now you can rest easy knowing that your house is secure even if you’re away.
Our team tested the product for several weeks and found that it was able to withstand a variety of loads from lights and other small appliances, as well as larger appliances like air conditioners. The device is also fire-resistant and UL listed for added safety.
Eyedro Smart Home Energy Monitor (Best For Solar)
For those looking for an energy monitor that is optimized for solar power, the Eyedro Smart Home Energy Monitor is the perfect choice. Solar energy users can keep a close eye on their power usage and production as well as monitor their bills with the Eyedro’s responsive web-based interface.
I have installed this device in my brother’s home, and he loves it. He wanted to have solar power in his home and the Eyedro made it possible for him to monitor his energy use and make sure he was getting the most out of his solar system.
It is also great for anyone looking to get started with a smart home energy monitor as it is non-invasive and easy to install. Tracking and generating reports about your energy costs in real-time is an added bonus!
What really impressed our researchers is the Net Meter plugin that gives you a bird’s eye view of your present and past generation vs. consumption statistics.
You can also connect multiple Eyedro devices to your web-based account, which is great for larger homes or businesses. We have used this feature in our family home and we connected 3 Eyedro devices to monitor the energy usage of our 3 apartments. It was a great way to get a collective view of our energy consumption and costs and since then, we have been able to reduce our energy bills significantly by upto 20%.
The only con I can think of is that some users have experienced trouble with connection drops, but that could be due to a number of factors like distance from the router or weak Wi-Fi signal and not necessarily the Eyedro’s fault.
So, if you’re looking for an energy monitor that is designed specifically for solar power, I highly recommend the Eyedro smart energy monitor.
Kasa Smart Plug Energy Monitor for Smart Homes
Every time we tested the Kasa, it received high marks for its low price, voice control abilities, and compatibility with a wide range of smart home devices, being one of the best energy monitor that we’ve countered.
Surprisingly, this Smart Wi-Fi Plug is straightforward to install. The process took me less than 10 minutes to complete. Even if you’ve never used a smart plug before, I’m sure it’ll take no more than 15 minutes to set up. When the connection is established, a green Wi-Fi symbol on the smart plug lights up.
Related Post: Review of Best Smart Plugs To Buy
Moreover, its app is attractive and user-friendly, two qualities that are important in a good smart plug. It supports a wide range of TP-Link devices, including sensors, cameras, and light bulbs, and the interface is clean and uncluttered. The app makes it possible to name, icon, and location-customize the smart plug for easy referencing.
As we all know that safety always comes first, So keeping that in mind the company has been UL Certified. Its fire-resistant shell and nickel-plated phosphor bronze pins help to reduce burn risks and ensure more long-lasting connections.
Home invaders or thieves often target unoccupied houses, so it’s important to have a way to make your home look lived in even when you’re away. Even when you’re out of the house, your appliances can give the appearance that someone is home by automatically turning on and off.
Remove the time-consuming job of scheduling your appliances manually every day—allow this device to do it for you quickly and simply. Now you could effortlessly program your electrical apparatus to turn on and run according to a timetable each day of the week, regardless of your daily routine.
How to Choose Smart Home Energy Monitor – Buying Guide
The home energy monitor that provides the most valuable information to its user is the best one for that household. A home monitor might include data on a solar system’s energy output or appliance-specific information. It could be voice-activated, have a user-friendly app, or be simple to install. When looking for the finest home energy monitor, there are a few things to consider.
Tracking of Actual Costs in Real Time: A good monitor should allow its user to access information on energy usage in real time. This allows the consumer to better manage their energy consumption, adjust a daily budget, and make changes quickly to reduce costs.
Customization: Another must feature for energy monitor is access to individualized data. This might include specific information about the household’s energy use and cost breakdown for individual appliances. For example, a monitor should be able to tell the difference between how much energy the oven uses versus the refrigerator, and track that information over time.
Easy Installation: Many monitors are for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. The best monitors will be easy to install and set up, so that the user doesn’t have to spend a large amount of time to get the monitor up and running.
Smart Home Integration: If you’re looking for a home energy monitor, you likely already have some smart home devices set up. The best monitor will integrate with those existing systems to provide a comprehensive view of your energy use. All the latest monitors will come with the ability to be controlled remotely, so you can adjust energy settings and monitor usage all from an app or website.
Alerts: One of the most important features of a home energy monitor is its ability to provide useful alerts. You should be able to set alerts that warn you of abnormal usage, potential problems with appliances, and other energy-related issues.
At the end of the day, the best home energy monitor for you will be the one that meets all your needs. All the products that we reviewed in this guide are chosen for their features, capabilities, and value. Weigh the factors that are most important to you when choosing the best home energy monitor for your family.
FAQs
How does a smart home energy monitoring system work?
A smart home energy monitoring system works by allowing homeowners to keep track of their energy usage with digital devices such as sensors, monitors and other devices. These devices measure and monitor a home’s energy usage and then provide real-time data to the homeowner.
This data can then be used to identify trends and areas that may need improvement in order to save energy and money. The data can also be used to control appliances and lights in the home, allowing homeowners to manage their energy usage more effectively. Additionally, some systems may be able to automate tasks such as turning off lights or the thermostat when no one is home in order to further reduce energy usage.
What is the accuracy of smart home energy monitors?
The accuracy of smart home energy monitors depends on the device and the environment in which it is used. Generally, these monitors are accurate within 1-2% of actual energy use. Some of the higher-end models offer more accurate readings, up to 0.5% or less. As with any device, accuracy can be affected by factors such as power fluctuations, external influences, and proper calibration.
What is the best home energy monitor?
When it comes to the best product out there, it has to be Sense Home Energy Monitor. It provides real-time energy usage data, including energy consumed and generated, detailed energy graphs, and energy savings tips. It also makes it easy to set up alerts for high energy usage or abnormal energy patterns. The Sense Home Energy Monitor also works with other home automation systems such as Alexa and Google Home, making it a great choice for those looking for an energy monitor.
What is the lifespan of a smart home energy meter?
Generally, most energy monitors have a lifespan of around 5-7 years with regular usage and proper maintenance. However, if you opt for a more advanced model, you may get a longer lifespan of up to 10 years. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the lifetime of the device may be affected by factors such as the environment and the amount of usage it receives.
