Energy Monitoring and Management Products

Understanding Energy Load Monitoring and Management

Anyone who pays an electric bill has an electrical load (or several). Electrical loads consume power or energy, however — if not monitored — you would have no idea which loads are doing a tap dance on your electrical bill. 

For example, appliances, light bulbs, and air conditioning units are all electrical loads, but the amount of power they consume will vary.

• Why do people talk about all-electric homes and buildings?

  Having all-electric (net-zero) building goals is trending as more people understand the negative impact of fossil fuels. A net-zero capable home or building is energy-efficient and also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, meaning that people who choose this path are creating healthy, safe places to live and work. Net-zero homes and buildings are energy-independent — they aren’t necessarily reliant on utility companies to power their appliances.  

• What is energy monitoring and management?

  Energy monitoring software assesses the energy consumption for an entire building and/or specific loads. This software may be able to control and conserve energy by providing load management options, such as adjusting the EV charge rate. We like to think of these systems as the coach to the pro-sports team that is your home or business — identifying problems to carry out solutions for a WIN!

• What is the meaning of solar and electrical management?

  Energy monitor installations can mean more than one thing. A remote solar monitoring system will monitor and report on your solar power efficiency and use. In contrast, a smart plug energy monitor allows you to monitor appliances and control them using your smartphone or other device. Buildings that utilize a combination of solar and electrical management solutions can reach optimum efficiency and performance.

• Why should I monitor and manage our energy usage?

  Monitoring your power consumption has the following benefits:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Long-term savings
  • Cleaner air quality
  • Tax benefits

• What is a smart home or building?

  A smart home allows for remote monitoring and management of your appliances and systems. One option is through a networked device, such as a smart monitoring app on your phone. Although the term “smart home” is used to describe — you guessed it  — homes with automation systems, smart technology can just as easily be used for buildings such as office complexes.

• What types of energy monitors and load management systems are there?

  There are a few different types out there:

  • Energy monitoring: Stand-alone systems, whole home solutions, and in-panel monitoring.

  • Appliance-level monitoring: Smart plugs are a great interim step to show what can be done with a more holistic solution.
  • Remote monitoring: Systems that allow you to view data and manage your energy consumption through an app.

   

• What do I need to know before installing an energy monitor or management solution?

  Before installing any energy monitoring software or systems, you should review your current energy bill, understand your needs, and contact a reputable installer. Since there are four steps to reaching energy efficiency, installing a system helps you plan your journey to success more effectively. 

  We know! The temptation is there to just do it all yourself. However, incentives and rebates can require a professional to install eligible items to ensure proper setup and functionality.