Saving Money through Energy Management and Home Automation

Rising energy costs have many homeowners searching for ways to reduce their monthly expenses while minimizing environmental impact. Smart home technology makes it easier to manage electricity usage by giving you real-time insight into how your home uses energy. These intelligent monitoring solutions can help you identify power-hungry appliances to optimize your energy consumption and reduce your electricity bills.

This guide explores how home automation can transform your approach to energy management, from basic monitoring devices to sophisticated whole-home systems that make energy conservation nearly effortless.

How home energy monitors help you track and manage energy use

Home energy monitors offer detailed insights into your electricity consumption patterns. They track how much power your home uses in real time, helping you identify energy waste and opportunities for savings.

There are typically two options:

• Whole-home systems. These can connect directly to your electrical panel and track electricity usage across your entire property. Using current transformers that clamp around the main power lines, whole-home energy monitors can measure total consumption and often break it down by individual circuits.
• Device-specific monitors. For more targeted analysis, smart plugs and outlet monitors can track the electricity usage of individual appliances. These tools are especially helpful for spotting energy-hungry devices that may need replacing or could run more efficiently on a different schedule.

Most modern power monitors connect to smartphone apps that display your electricity consumption in easy-to-understand graphs and charts. This visibility makes it easier to understand exactly where your energy dollars are going and how your habits affect your electricity bill.

There are several ways to monitor your home's energy consumption, each with different installation requirements and capabilities:

Smart plugs and outlets

These simple devices plug into existing outlets, and some models measure the energy used by whatever is connected to them. While they don't provide whole-home energy data, they're excellent for tracking specific appliances without requiring access to your electrical panel.

Installation considerations

Smart plugs offer the simplest energy monitor installation—simply plug them into an existing outlet, connect them to your home network through an app, and then plug your appliance into the smart plug. You won't need to do anything with your electrical panel or circuit breaker, making these great for renters or those uncomfortable with electrical work.

Connectivity options

Most smart plugs connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with Wi-Fi models offering remote monitoring capabilities, while Bluetooth versions typically require you to be within range to view consumption data.

Integrated smart devices

Many newer appliances—like smart thermostats, water heaters, and lighting systems—come with built-in energy monitoring features. You can usually view their energy meter data through home automation platforms like Amazon Smart Home or Google Home Assistant, right alongside your other connected devices.

Installation considerations

Installation needs can vary depending on the device. Smart thermostats may require an electrician if your HVAC system doesn’t have a C-wire, while smart lighting is often as simple as swapping out a switch or bulb. Once installed and connected to your home network, energy monitoring features typically start working automatically.

Network requirements

Most integrated devices connect over Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz), though some newer models support dual-band connections. Because multiple devices can add to network traffic, a strong home network helps keep energy monitoring reliable.

Electrical panel monitors

These systems are installed directly at your home's electrical panel, using current transformers (CTs) that clamp around incoming power lines or individual circuit wires. These whole-home energy solutions provide comprehensive monitoring of your electricity consumption down to the circuit level.

Installation considerations

Because they connect to high-voltage wiring, electrical panel monitors usually need professional energy monitor installation by a licensed electrician. The process includes shutting off power at the main circuit breaker, opening the electrical panel, and attaching CT clamps to the main power lines or specific circuits. While some experienced homeowners might take this on themselves, hiring a professional helps ensure accuracy and keeps safety risks low.

Connectivity requirements

Most panel-based monitors connect to your home network through Wi-Fi, typically operating on 2.4 GHz bands that provide better signal penetration through walls. Make sure your electrical panel location has adequate signal strength for reliable data transmission.

Utility-provided monitors

Some electricity providers offer their own monitoring solutions that communicate directly with your smart meter, giving you access to your consumption data through the utility's app or website.

Installation considerations

Utility monitoring solutions typically require no additional hardware installation since they work with your existing smart meter. Setup usually involves creating an account on the utility's platform and verifying your identity as the account holder.

Data limitations

While convenient, utility monitoring systems often provide less detailed or less frequent data updates than dedicated third-party solutions. They may show daily or hourly consumption rather than real-time usage, limiting their effectiveness in identifying specific energy-wasting devices.

Free and subsidized energy monitoring options

Many homeowners can take advantage of energy monitoring technology at little to no cost, thanks to programs that support energy efficiency and help manage electricity bills:

• Utility company programs. Several electric utilities offer complimentary monitoring through their smart meter programs, providing basic power meter data through online portals or mobile apps.
• Government incentives. Federal and state energy efficiency programs occasionally include rebates for monitoring systems when installed as part of broader home improvement projects.
• Manufacturer offers. Many manufacturers offer reduced hardware pricing when you subscribe to their premium monitoring services, significantly lowering initial costs.

To find available programs, check your electric meter provider's website for efficiency incentives or contact your utility company directly about available promotions. Most programs require proof of homeownership and may have specific qualification requirements based on your electricity bill history or household income.

Identifying energy vampires in your home

Energy vampires are household devices that silently drain electricity even when not actively in use, potentially adding 10% or more to your electricity bill. Energy monitors provide real-time data about power consumption throughout your home, making it easier to identify these power-hungry culprits and take steps toward better energy efficiency.

Some devices use small amounts of standby power around the clock—also known as phantom load—while others draw more electricity than they should due to inefficiency or outdated tech. Connecting a whole-home electricity monitor to your electrical panel or using smart plugs at individual outlets helps you spot patterns in energy usage and figure out which home devices are driving up your power usage.

Common household energy vampires include:

• Entertainment centers. TVs, cable boxes, and gaming consoles draw significant standby power, consuming up to 50 watts even when "off."
• Kitchen appliances. Refrigerators, especially older models, can draw excessive amps during cooling cycles, while coffee makers with warming plates consume continuous electricity.
• Charging stations. Cell phone chargers, laptop power bricks, and other electronics continue drawing small amounts of power when plugged in but not charging devices.
• HVAC systems. Heat pumps and air conditioners with efficiency issues may draw much more power than necessary, particularly during extreme weather.
• High-powered specialty devices. EV chargers, hot tubs, and space heaters can dramatically impact your electricity bill when not properly monitored.

If you need help implementing an energy-saving strategy in your smart home, explore Vivint's complete home automation solutions.

How to choose the right energy monitor for your home

The right energy monitoring system depends on your needs, comfort with technology, and budget. A good home energy monitor should be easy to use, cost-effective, and give you useful insights into your electricity usage.

These factors can help you decide:

• Home size. Smaller homes may benefit from simpler solutions like smart plugs for major appliances, while larger properties typically require whole-home energy monitoring systems with multiple sensors.
• Installation needs. Consider whether you're comfortable installing devices near your electrical panel or prefer simpler plug-and-play options that don't require electrical work.
• Connectivity preferences. Most systems connect via Wi-Fi for real-time monitoring through a mobile app, while some offer Bluetooth connections for local access without internet connectivity.
• Support and warranty. Look for products offering a warranty and responsive customer support to address any technical issues that might arise during setup or operation.

Before purchasing, verify that your chosen monitor is compatible with your electrical system and that its mobile app works with your smartphone operating system for seamless data access.

Smart energy management: the key to lower utility bills

Cutting energy costs without giving up comfort is easier than ever with home automation and energy monitoring. A home energy monitor shows exactly when and where you’re using electricity, helping you spot waste and make smarter decisions.

The real advantage comes when monitoring connects with other smart home features. Syncing your energy system with automated thermostats, lighting controls, and smart appliances lets you set up efficiency rules that run on their own. Your system can adjust heating and cooling based on actual occupancy or turn off entertainment systems when no one’s in the room.

Want to take control of your energy use? Vivint smart home devices mat make it easy to monitor and manage electricity. Contact us at 855.822.1220 to find a custom solution for your home.