Understanding how much energy we use, and where it’s being wasted, is a key first step towards cutting bills and reducing carbon emissions. To support households with this, we’ve created a leaflet on energy monitoring in the home as part of our Rural Energy Hubs project.
- The guide is designed to take the mystery out of energy monitoring. It explains what everyday terms like kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) really mean, how to spot patterns in energy use, and why small changes (such as boiling only the water you need or switching devices off at the wall) can add up to meaningful savings over time.
- The leaflet also explores the different ways people can keep track of their energy use, whether they have a smart meter or a traditional one. From in‑home displays and apps to smart plugs and more advanced monitoring systems, it explains the different options available and how each one can help households identify energy hungry appliances, spot problems early, and make informed choices about future improvements.
- Importantly, this resource focuses on building confidence and understanding before major changes are made to a home. Many people want to reduce their energy use or carbon footprint but feel unsure where to start. By helping you understand your current energy habits, monitoring can remove some of the uncertainty and act as a stepping-stone towards longer‑term changes such as improved insulation, low carbon heating, or renewables.
The leaflet has been developed as part of the Rural Energy Hubs project. Part of this project looked at the non‑technical barriers households face when trying to cut energy use, and how these challenges can be overcome.
You can view and download the digital version of the energy monitoring in the home leaflet and share it with anyone who might find it useful.
