Thanks to recent price increases and the dwindling fuel resources which are plaguing the energy sector, many households have found their bills hard to manage of late. Over the past year, both gas and electricity prices have risen dramatically, but the price we pay goes beyond our bills and we should all be trying to cut down our natural gas and electricity usage in a bid to manage our individual carbon footprint.
The need to monitor our consumption and bring our energy usage back under control has therefore become a priority – and mobile apps have once again led the way in helping us achieve this.
As Android models continue to be one of the most popular handsets to own, there are naturally a multitude of apps available to help you monitor your energy consumption.
Meter Reader
This app requires you to input your daily meter readings for vital amenities, such as water, gas and electricity, translating the information into a visual graph. The graph is created automatically and allows easy tracking of your energy consumption from day to day.
This prompts you to adjust the amount of energy you use in your home and could see you begin to reduce your energy usage and bills almost instantly.
Energy Savings Calculator
For those who want to make their home more energy efficient, investing in new appliances or home improvements is often recommended. Unfortunately, homeowners can be cautious about such action as they are unsure of whether the future savings will compensate for the initial outlay.
Thankfully, an android app has sought to rectify this with the Energy Savings Calculator allowing you to compare new and old appliances based on their energy consumption. All you need to do is input the respective values and the app will tell you how much you stand to save per week, month and year.
It can also calculate how long it will take you to recoup the initial price you paid for the appliance in savings – the perfect way for the energy-conscious homeowner to ensure they make the right decision over their spending.
SmartLinc
Compatible with Insteon home systems, the free SmartLinc app allows you to control various appliances in your home using your smartphone. This means that your lighting and even your heating thermostat can be adjusted remotely – giving you complete control over your home.
This is especially important when you consider how much these services contribute to our energy bills. Lighting is claimed to account for 25 per cent of our electricity bills and lowering your heating thermostat by just a couple of degrees could translate to a 10 per cent annual saving.