Techno-Wizards
As a society, we are incredibly lucky to have come as far as we have with technology. First we had the wonder of the Internet, which allowed us to come across fathoms of new information from all around the globe. But today, we hold miniature computers in the palm of our hands in the way of smartphones, which allow us to not only, browse the Internet, but to download apps for absolutely anything and everything straight onto the mobile. These apps cover absolutely everything from baking, exercise and even conception!
It is no surprise then that we can now manage our household bills like electric and gas with a simple click on our mobile phones. Due to this ease of accessibility, we can now ensure we are saving as much money as possible with utility bills.
What Apps Can Save Me Money?
A well-known and popular app is the First Utility App. It’s free to download and is compatible with both iPhone’s and Android, allowing you to check your tariff for both electricity and gas at the click of a button and swipe of a thumb. There are also numerous of other power saving apps, such as Utility Meter Reading which allows you to stay in the comfort of your own home and send your meter readings to your energy provider, which also ensures accurate billings.
EDF Energy has an app that has a live chat which gives you immediate professional assistance; whilst Hive allows you to control your heating and water from your phone, making sure your home is nice and toasty and you have hot water for a bath for when you get in, how convenient!
Smart Meters – What Are They?
Smart Meters are the new gadget that energy providers are offering to their customers, completely free of charge. These little tools allow the customer to manage their usage effectively, as well as be aware of their energy wastage. These meters completely eradicate estimated bills, as they’re digital and connected to the internet, allowing the data to be sent directly to your provider, you can’t get more accurate than that.
Most meters also show what devices in your home use more energy, such as firing up the iron or boiling the kettle. The best thing about the smart meter is it doesn’t have to be on show in the home, feel free to tuck it under the kitchen sink or squirreled away in a drawer, it’ll still work! It also works silently, without emitting any irritating ticking or buzzing noise. Much like the utility apps, you can now view your daily energy spend via the smart meter, as well as weekly or monthly. You can also set yourself a budget, which allows you to keep a close eye if you’re approaching it.
It’s becoming more apparent that accessibility is key to promote cheaper utility bills. We are far more in control than we used to be, being able to read our own meters to prevent our day being interrupted and to allow for accurate bills. It’s also incredibly user friendly with the help of the simple to use apps on our trusty smartphones.
