Monitors
| Energy Monitoring is a wonderful tool that can help businesses and homeowners alike save money with their energy usage. The use of energy monitors is a great way to track how much energy you are using and how much money can be saved through improvements. The first step is to determine what level of monitoring you would like to set up for your business or home, which in turn will determine the kind of energy monitor that you might need. Outlet Monitoring is the most basic level of monitoring and is the easiest way to measure how much energy you are using. The types of energy monitors used at this level are called Smart Plugs or Smart Power Strips. First, you plug the device into your outlet, and then plug the electrical appliance into the smart plug. This will allow the consumer to see exactly how much electric power the device is consuming, which in turn will help the consumer plan their energy usage better. Monitoring of the entire house is the second level of energy monitoring, and likely, the most cost effective. Devices used at this level are called Power Monitors, and it is said that they can help you save as much as 15-20% on your monthly energy bills. Basically, these devices utilize an e-meter which is attached to a wireless sensor. The e-meter is attached to the electric meter at your house and it relays information about your energy usage via the wireless sensor to a home base. The home base can then be carried around the house with you, as you analyze the electricity usage of each appliance in your home. The third and most advanced level of monitoring is creating a smart home. This is the big picture approach to energy monitoring, and the most costly. It involves using Smart Plugs and e-meters, like in the first two levels, but it takes those approaches much further. Creating a smart home monitoring environment usually entails the use of software that will control your home's electrical appliances so that the consumer can turn things on and off remotely. A consumer can also purchase smart home appliances to work in conjunction with the monitoring activity in this third level. Regardless of the type of monitoring chosen, or the specific energy monitor, it is certain that using monitors will help consumers take charge and be proactive with the energy usage of their business or home. |
  |
