Apps to Help You Save Energy

There are a number of reasons why people are interested in cutting back on energy consumption — some are primarily motivated to save on their monthly energy bills while others may be more concerned about reducing their personal carbon footprint.

Actively practicing energy efficiency and conservation provides multiple benefits. For parents, being more conscious about energy use can be used as a tool to teach children about sustainable habits for the future; conserving energy also means fewer carbon emissions, which results in better air quality and a healthier environment; and we can all agree that saving money on our monthly utility bills is a great reason to monitor home energy use.

Regardless of why you’re interested in using less energy, there are several smart phone apps that can help you do just that.

Here a few apps that can help you achieve meaningful energy savings:

1. Smart thermostat apps: I know what you’re thinking, and yes — to use a smart thermostat app, you must purchase a smart thermostat. But heating and cooling make up a large portion of the average home’s energy consumption (and cost!), so saving on heating and cooling can make a big impact on bills. Smart thermostats and their accompanying apps are handy and promote energy-efficient behavior — and these devices have become much more affordable over the years. You can purchase an Energy Star®-certified smart thermostat for as low as $100, which can save you 8% on annual heating and cooling costs, about $50 per year. The device will quickly pay for itself, and you’ll gain insight into better ways to heat and cool your home. Plus, the ability to control the thermostat from anywhere can equate to real savings. We recommend trusted brands and devices, like Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat.
2. Energy cost calculators: If you’re wanting to reduce energy use at home, it’s important to know where your consumption is going. Energy cost calculators can help pinpoint your energy use with a few simple steps and identify areas to save. The concept is pretty simple; just plug in the wattage of your various appliances and how often you use them to see which are using the most energy. Most energy cost calculator apps are free and can be downloaded to any Apple or Android device. In the app store, you’ll find multiple energy cost calculator apps, but most are similar in functionality. Be sure to read the app’s reviews and download the one that best aligns with your energy efficiency goals.
3. JouleBug app: If you’re competitive and enjoy gamifying — the JouleBug app is right up your alley. JouleBug makes energy conservation simple and fun through personal tasks and badges earned within the app, group challenges you can tackle with friends, and communities you can join to learn about local sustainability efforts. The JouleBug app is free and can be downloaded to Apple or Android devices, and it’s an easy tool to make saving energy fun.

These are just a few apps that can help you find new ways to save energy. Smart lightbulbs are typically paired with apps for convenient control of home lighting; smart plugs also come with apps to help you control how you power everyday devices and electronics.

Whether you use an app or not, saving energy is always a smart idea that can help you save money on your monthly bills and reduce your carbon footprint.