Belkin WeMo Insight Switch: Monitor Power Usage - Guide
Understanding and Utilizing the Belkin WeMo Insight Switch
Belkin offers a comprehensive range of WeMo devices, and the WeMo Insight Switch represents a recent and valuable expansion to this product line.
This smart switch doesn't simply enable remote control of your appliances via a smartphone; it also actively tracks energy consumption.
Furthermore, the WeMo Insight Switch delivers estimations of the costs associated with running devices like space heaters.
This article will detail how to effectively leverage the data provided by this innovative device.
Initial Setup of Your WeMo Insight Switch
If you haven't already configured your WeMo Insight Switch, a helpful guide is available to walk you through the entire setup procedure.
The process for setting up the WeMo Insight Switch mirrors that of the standard WeMo Switch precisely.
The primary distinction – aside from its physical dimensions – lies in the Insight Switch’s capability to monitor the electrical power draw of connected appliances.
Key Functionality: Power Usage Monitoring
The core benefit of the WeMo Insight Switch is its ability to provide detailed insights into energy usage.
By monitoring the power consumption of devices, users can gain a clearer understanding of their energy expenditure.
This information can then be used to identify energy-intensive appliances and potentially adjust usage habits to reduce costs.
The switch calculates and presents estimated costs, offering a tangible representation of energy spending.
This feature allows for informed decisions regarding appliance usage and energy conservation.
How the Data Can Be Applied
- Identify high-consumption devices.
- Adjust usage patterns to minimize energy waste.
- Estimate monthly or yearly energy costs for specific appliances.
- Gain awareness of standby power consumption.
Ultimately, the WeMo Insight Switch empowers users to take control of their energy usage and make more sustainable choices.
Understanding Power Consumption with the WeMo Insight Switch
The WeMo app allows for remote control of the Insight Switch, functioning similarly to other Belkin WeMo devices. A notable feature is a small, virtual LED indicator positioned near the power control. This indicator dynamically changes color between yellow and green.
The LED’s color signifies the power state of the connected device. A green light indicates active power flow, while a yellow light signifies an idle state, even though the outlet remains powered on.
For instance, consider a heating device that cycles on and off automatically. The WeMo Insight Switch will display a yellow light during standby periods and switch to green when the heater is actively providing warmth. The switch itself maintains a constant operational state.
Selecting the Insight Switch within the WeMo application reveals detailed power usage information for the connected appliance.
When the appliance is operating, the display shows its runtime, highlighted in green, alongside the activation time. Conversely, when the appliance is inactive, it displays the duration since its last operation and the corresponding time.
Further down, you’ll find “Today:” and “Avg day:” metrics. “Today:” represents the total operational time for the current day, while “Avg day:” provides the average daily runtime. Greater accuracy for the average is achieved with prolonged use.
Below these, “Estimated monthly:” and another “Today” field are presented. The “Estimated monthly:” value may initially lack precision, but improves with extended usage.
To approximate monthly costs, multiply the “Today:” value by 30 or 31. The switch considers wattage when calculating the estimated monthly expense, as evidenced by a decrease in the estimate following a reduction in wattage.
Observing that a space heater consumed approximately $0.21 of power in a single day suggests a monthly cost of around $6.50 for home office heating. While seemingly modest, this could represent 6-8% of a typical electricity bill.
The final section details wattage consumption. “Avg when on:” displays the average wattage used during operation, requiring approximately one day for calculation. “Now:” indicates the appliance’s real-time wattage draw.
Adjusting Your "Cost per kWh" for Precise Energy Estimates
Electrical billing rates vary considerably based on geographic location. The price charged per kWh – kilowatt hour – can differ significantly. Within the WeMo Insight Switch application, you have the ability to modify this setting. This adjustment ensures that the cost estimations provided are as accurate as possible.
To begin this process, locate and tap the "Edit" function situated in the upper-right corner of the application’s primary screen.
Following this, select your specific WeMo Insight Switch from the displayed options.
Next, tap the option labeled "Cost per kWh".
Tap "Cost per kWh" once more. Then, utilize the provided data entry field to input the rate your electricity provider charges for each kWh.
If the exact rate is unknown, review your most recent electricity bill. The bill will indicate the total kWh consumed during the billing period. Multiply the total bill amount by 100 (for example, $75 multiplied by 100 equals 7,500 cents). Subsequently, divide this result by your total kWh usage for that month. The outcome represents your precise "cost per kWh".
Once the updated value is entered, confirm by tapping "Done". Then, navigate back to the previous screen by tapping the arrow icon in the top-left corner. Finally, select "Save".
Providing comprehensive information to the WeMo application directly correlates with the accuracy of the power usage estimates it generates. Accurate data leads to reliable insights.
Receive Power Usage Alerts with Your Insight Switch
Beyond simply monitoring the energy consumption of your appliances, the Insight Switch allows for the configuration of alerts delivered directly to your mobile device. These notifications inform you whenever the switch registers power draw. Consequently, should an appliance like a space heater be inadvertently left running, you’ll receive an alert and can remotely deactivate the switch, preventing further energy waste.
Begin the process by navigating to the "Rules" tab, located at the bottom of the screen.
Select the "Sensing power" option to proceed.
This section enables customization of the notifications triggered by power detection. Initiate customization by tapping on "WeMo Insight" at the top of the screen.
Choose from one of the three available options, each defining the specific circumstances under which a notification will be sent. For instance, selecting "power on" will result in a notification whenever the Insight Switch detects power being drawn by the connected appliance.
Alternatively, you can opt for "power is on for..." and establish a duration before a notification is triggered. This allows you to set a time limit for appliance operation.
By tapping on "When", you can define the schedule for these notifications. You are able to specify a particular time frame during the day, and also select specific days of the week for activation.
Within the "Notify Me" section, tap on "Message". This allows you to compose a personalized message that will accompany your notification. Remember to tap "Save" in the top-right corner once you’ve finished.
Next, select "How Often". This setting controls the frequency of notifications. You can choose to be notified every time an event occurs, or select an interval from the provided list. Choosing a 15-minute interval, for example, will limit notifications to once every 15 minutes.
Under the "Rule Name" heading, you can assign a custom name to your notification setup for easy identification.
Finally, tap "Save" in the top-right corner to finalize your new notification configuration. The completed setup will then appear in the "Enabled Rules" list.
Subsequently, you will receive notifications according to your specified settings, helping you to avoid unnecessary energy costs from appliances left running.