Top 10 Energy Efficiency Smartphone Apps
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Top 10 Energy Efficiency Smartphone Apps
In addition to taking photos, using maps, chopping fruit and playing word games, you can get apps that bring energy efficiency to your fingertips. With your smartphone, it is easier than ever to start saving energy today!
So without further ado (drumroll please), here are the...
Top 10 Energy Efficiency Apps for 2013:
2) Wiser EMS
5) Green Outlet
6) Nest Mobile
7) Ecobee
10) GasBuddy
Energy Management Apps
1) Kill-Ur-Watts
Using your energy consumption data, the smartphone app Kill-Ur-Watts will keep track of your energy use over time and develop strategies for energy reduction. Created for the Department of Energy’s “Apps for Energy” Challenge in 2012, KeyLogic Systems, Inc. created the app that’s free on iTunes. It provides customizable graphs and lets you view your carbon footprint. Once you know your energy score - challenge your family and friends!
2) Wiser EMS
Free on iTunes, Schneider Electric’s energy management app, The Wiser Energy Management System (Wiser EMS), makes energy use easy to view and understand with “infographics.” Families can see where they need to reduce energy consumption to see the best bang for their buck.
3) Energy Tracker
The Energy Tracker app allows you to avoid unnecessary energy expenses. On just two tabs on the smartphone screen, you’ll see just how much energy your appliance or system has used. Plus, you can export the data gathered by the app to your computer in a CSV file. This app, by iOS Apps Austria, is $0.99 on iTunes.
Watt & Cost Calculators
4) Energy Cost Calculator
Free on iTunes, the Energy Cost Calculator is a simple equation-based system that calculates energy costs. Input your estimated consumption used per hour, how many hours of energy used per day, and the cost per Kilowatt or Watt – and you will find out what you’re paying. Just beware – the results may astonish you!
5) Green Outlet
Recommended by treehugger.com, ecogadget.com, and DailyTekk.com, the Green Outlet allows you to figure out what appliances in your house use the most energy. And then, after entering some personal data, the app will calculate your average monthly cost! This app, by Key Lime 314, is $0.99 on iTunes.
Thermostats
6) Nest Mobile
Nest Mobile, by Nest Labs, is free on iTunes and it allows you to change the temperature of your house from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. And you can use this control anywhere! With your iRemote, set the temperature higher on your way home or lower the temperature if you decide to stay out longer than planned. Important note: While the app saves you energy and money, it only works with the Nest Learning Thermostat.
7) Ecobee Smart Thermostat
Free on iTunes, the Ecobee app acts as a smart thermostat wherever you are. The app helps you understand the energy demands of heating, cooling, and ventilation. You can also download information from the app on your computer to develop reports and charts. Important note: The app can help you create temperature schedules and save at home, but it only works with its companion, Ecobee Smart Thermostat.
At Home, Buying a Home and On the Go
8) Code Green Energy
Free on iTunes, CodeGreen Energy is the new Energy Star app that allows you to compare the energy efficiency of buildings in your area. It’s a great resource that can inform real estate investments, and other professionals interested in comparing building efficiencies. Just enter an address, and the Energy Star score will appear for the building at the location, along with details about the building’s energy use.
9) Light Bulb Finder
With the free Light Bulb Finderapp for Android and iPhone users, you can find out where to purchase energy-efficient light bulbs. The app guides you through the quick and easy process, starting with gathering information about what bulbs you are already using at home. After that, you’ll be given a recommendation about the best bulb alternative based on cost savings and environmental impact!
10) Gas Buddy
The GasBuddy app, by GasBuddy Organization, is free on iTunes and searches for the cheapest gas prices in your area. So save at the pump by using this helpful tool.
Something New: Prizm by Kickstarter
Control doors, windows, security sensors, lights- all from the one small convenient box: the Prizm. This device goes even further if your home uses Z-wave appliances, which connects to dishwashers, blinds, and thermostats. From a smartphone, you can change and review the control panel, and view what appliances you have left on. Planned to release this year, Kickstarter’s Prizm has great potential to control your energy use based on your unique lifestyle.
Alliance communications assistant Sara Leonard contributed to this article.
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