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Are you looking for a simple way to make your home greener? Energy monitoring might be the solution you're looking for. It involves a one-time purchase of a home energy monitoring device, which in theory, will do all the work measuring and evaluating how your home is using energy. With this information in hand, you make changes that reduce your home's carbon footprint.

Home Energy Monitors

Simply put, an energy monitor relays real-time information about a home's electricity use. Connected to the home's Wi-Fi, a monitor displays components in the home that use electricity so homeowners can identify upswings in usage, and make adjustments as necessary, like turning off lights. Some energy monitors let you see which elements, like lights, appliances, and outlets, are using electricity by the minute, while others track only whole-house usage.

The concept is pretty simple. It's similar to the awareness a person gets from wearing a pedometer; you suddenly realize how little you're moving, and you start moving more. The same goes for the energy monitor. It makes you more aware of your home's carbon footprint so you'll take action.

What kind of savings can you expect? Every home is different, and estimates vary. IBM, however, conducted a pilot program on energy reduction using monitors, and the results showed that homeowners saved, at minimum, 15 percent.

Getting "Smart"

Energy monitors also enhance smart meters, which are promoted by utility companies. If your utility company offers lower rates for using electricity during off-peak hours, an energy monitor can help you manage your home's electricity consumption. Read the monitor's display and make efforts around the home to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours; then, when you shift into off-peak hours, you can begin activities like doing the laundry, running the dishwasher, and watering the lawn — all at the lowest rate your utility company offers.

What Energy Monitors Can't Do

While an energy monitor can accurately read certain electricity consumption factors, the truth is it's a computer that can't properly grasp the home as a system. Sometimes, you need a human touch to boost energy savings — and assess how other home systems that don't use electricity are impacting your utility bills.

Get Expert Help

A home energy expert can inspect your home and identify areas where insulation is lacking, for instance. If the insulation is degrading because air leaks behind it allow dirt and moisture to infiltrate, it won't block heat movement in and out of the home. As the insulation fails, you'll notice that your home energy bills increase, and comfort levels drop. But the energy monitor certainly can't "read" insulation levels or HVAC efficiency.

From time to time, you'll need to call in an expert to evaluate your home and assess the delicate balance between home systems, like insulation and HVAC operating efficiency, and then diagnose problems that are contributing to higher energy consumption.

If your home is in need of a human touch to diagnose out-of-control energy bills, or you'd like to explore options for energy monitoring, contact Reliable Heating and Air today!