Manage your energy use with these handy apps
Article was added on Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Tracking your steps, tracking your
children, monitoring your banking activity or locating your parked
car--these days, it seems like there is an app for everything. If
you are efficiency-savvy and want to manage your energy use, there
may be an app that works for you. While there are several energy
use apps to choose from, some can be difficult to use, particularly
those aimed at general efficiency. There are no clear standouts, so
try a few, and choose the app that works best for you.
Purchasing a smart thermostat for
your home is a great way to begin managing your energy use. But, if
you are looking for a more granular way to obtain information about
your energy use, an app can provide useful insight into how
specific actions impact your utility bill. The following is a
snapshot of a few energy efficiency mobile apps. All of the apps
mentioned in this article are available for Apple and Android
systems.
Smart Hub
The Smart Hub app is free and
transmits utility data enabling members to see near real-time
information about their energy use. Essentially, this app helps
members better understand how and when they use energy. The Smart
Hub app was uses the same data as the Smart Hub web portal. While
all members can pay their utility bill using their mobile device,
AdvancePay members can also view their balance.
Together We Save
Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives offers the Together We
Save app, which enables users
to calculate the energy use of many household appliances based on
national averages. This free app includes roughly 100 calculators
that determine the projected energy use and cost of particular
appliances and activities. The app also offers 100 practical
energy-saving tips.
Nest
Owned by Google, created by Nest
Labs and linked only to the
Nest thermostat, this free app has several useful features. You can
adjust your home thermostat by simply using your smart phone, iPad
or iTouch--whether in your car or on your couch. App users can view
and edit a thermostat schedule and keep an eye on how much energy
is being used. You can also opt to receive extreme temperature
alerts before your pet overheats or your pipes freeze.
Lennox iComfort
Like the Nest app, the Lennox
iComfort app is only compatible with Lennox products -
in this case,
the Wi-Fi thermostat. It has
similar features to the Nest, in that users can remotely control
their home thermostat and other settings. In addition, the app
allows users to program the system to an energy savings "away mode"
when no one is home.
Your trusted energy
resource
While these apps employ the latest
technology to maximize your ability to manage your use, the next
generation of energy apps will likely integrate across multiple
platforms--managing your thermostat, appliances, water heater, home
electronics and other devices from the convenience of your smart
phone. In the meantime, while app technology continues to evolve,
your best resource for saving energy and money is your local
electric co-op.
At Santee Electric Cooperative, we
can provide guidance on energy savings based on your account
information, local energy use and weather patterns for your region
and other factors unique to your location. Contact Santee Electric
Cooperative's energy experts at 1-800-922-1604 to learn
more.
<< Back to the News and Press Listing