Low Power TV is not so low power.

Device: TV
Make: Sony
Model: XBR-65X900E
Estimated Savings:

The combination of my Sense and a TP Link HS110 made me aware of how much power my TV actually uses in idle. Spec is 0.5w, but in practice, it is actually more like 18w spiking up to 35w several times a day when checking for updates.

I have the TV set to “Eco” mode, but it seems even in that mode, it still stays in a “Fast start” mode so that Android TV doesn’t have to cold boot every time, so it stays in a warm state pulling more than the suggested .5w

Pumping on empty

Device: Pump
Make:
Model:
Estimated Savings:

When I installed sense I noticed an unknown 600w load from 6am to noon every day. I have an aerobic septic system that the irrigation spray pump was on a timer with a shutoff float switch. After some basic testing I realized that the pump was on for the ENTIRE TIME it was set to even after it had emptied the tank. About 5 hours more than it should. I could use Sense to determine the optimal time to change the timer to empty the tank while minimizing the ‘pumping on empty’ waste.

Vacation home electric way too high for years.

Device: Other Heater
Make:
Model:
Estimated Savings:

For years, the electric bill (from our electric baseboard heaters) in our vacation home was way too high, even when the house was unoccupied. There were obviously things that I didn’t understand, but nobody could offer any advice. Even though Sense could be better at detecting devices, I was able to monitor the overall usage, flip breakers, do some experiments, and determine that those unnecessary heating zones were making up a huge portion of my bill. It took a little bit of effort, but using Sense along with smart plugs, a Wi-Fi thermostat, Wi-Fi thermometers, and some oil-filled radiant heaters allowed me to cut my winter electric bill in half!

Overachieving hot water circulator

Device: Water Heater
Make:
Model:
Estimated Savings:

I reviewed the historical data for my water heater as it is my #2 winter energy draw. I found on the power meter many reheats of the tank during the hours when no one is awake or using hot water. Further investigation showed my hot water recirculating pump ran intermittently at all hours – triggering frequent middle of the night reheats on the water heater. Simply setting the water circulating pump not to operate during times when we are asleep stopped the excessive middle of the night reheats. I now start the circulating pump one hour before we normally arise to ensure hot showers.