I beta tested this product a few months ago. Here's the basics.
User signs up and inputs data about their home. Questions include things like address, square footage, number and facing of windows, furnace type whether you have a pool etc etc. This info is then put into a database. The local utility (Microsoft has a number of utility companies on board, mostly in the NW US IIRC) then provides a data feed of consumption into Hohm.
This combo of info then is used to provide the user with suggestions on how to save energy and money. For example, buying a new fridge will save x KwH/year and pay for itself in y years. You also get to see your estimated annual consumption and how it compares with others in your neighborhood. For example, you may be better than 80% of your neighbors in energy consumption.
I can't comment on Microsoft's future plans, but the big hurdle at this point is getting people to put their home info into the system. As smart grids and appliances become more common some of this may be automated. At this time it is a decent first start for monitoring energy use (you need to visit a web site which is an active endeavor) and getting suggestions on how to save energy consumption.
Many utilities offer home or business energy audits that do part of what Hohm does at various costs. That may be a better option for many people who own older or less efficient homes.
I hope this helps explain the program and its goals.
@Angry Zebra You wanna save electricity and alot of it? Just insulate your water heater and then from spring till fall turn it on only for an hour a day for when you need the Hot water. Having to keep the thing heated when you are sleeping or while on vacation is just useless and a huge waste of electricity and your hard earned dollars. I do it and it saves me on average 200$/month. thats a Huge savings for 3/4 of the year. Pays for a tip to Cuba every year... Oh and you downrank me cause of the lack of creativity that is within microsoft and I'm the only one to point it out. PATHETIC!
so I guess if I start a home care business called Home Beta Care (as a play on "better care"), then that means I'm following sony and being none original, right?
look at the freaking spelling of the name even with the omega/ohm sign to boot
That's one of the questions/recommendations. My monthly bill is $50 so I won't be saving as much as you, but Hohm users could get an estimate on their costs/savings.
It sounds like you have a handle on your energy use so I doubt Hohm would be useful for you.
I don't understand why my post doesn't show, but hopefully I'm not spamming.
It sounds like you know how to save money on energy consumption so don't need Hohm. Questions about the water heater, if it is insulated or not is in the app. It is also one of the recommendations with the estimated amount that user would save.
My monthly bill is $50 so savings $200/month would be great.
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I beta tested this product a few months ago. Here's the basics.
User signs up and inputs data about their home. Questions include things like address, square footage, number and facing of windows, furnace type whether you have a pool etc etc. This info is then put into a database. The local utility (Microsoft has a number of utility companies on board, mostly in the NW US IIRC) then provides a data feed of consumption into Hohm.
This combo of info then is used to provide the user with suggestions on how to save energy and money. For example, buying a new fridge will save x KwH/year and pay for itself in y years. You also get to see your estimated annual consumption and how it compares with others in your neighborhood. For example, you may be better than 80% of your neighbors in energy consumption.
I can't comment on Microsoft's future plans, but the big hurdle at this point is getting people to put their home info into the system. As smart grids and appliances become more common some of this may be automated. At this time it is a decent first start for monitoring energy use (you need to visit a web site which is an active endeavor) and getting suggestions on how to save energy consumption.
Many utilities offer home or business energy audits that do part of what Hohm does at various costs. That may be a better option for many people who own older or less efficient homes.
I hope this helps explain the program and its goals.
@Angry Zebra You wanna save electricity and alot of it? Just insulate your water heater and then from spring till fall turn it on only for an hour a day for when you need the Hot water. Having to keep the thing heated when you are sleeping or while on vacation is just useless and a huge waste of electricity and your hard earned dollars. I do it and it saves me on average 200$/month. thats a Huge savings for 3/4 of the year. Pays for a tip to Cuba every year... Oh and you downrank me cause of the lack of creativity that is within microsoft and I'm the only one to point it out. PATHETIC!
@SOOPERGOOMAN
so I guess if I start a home care business called Home Beta Care (as a play on "better care"), then that means I'm following sony and being none original, right?
look at the freaking spelling of the name even with the omega/ohm sign to boot
@SOOPERGOOMAN
That's one of the questions/recommendations. My monthly bill is $50 so I won't be saving as much as you, but Hohm users could get an estimate on their costs/savings.
It sounds like you have a handle on your energy use so I doubt Hohm would be useful for you.
@SOOPERGOOMAN
I don't understand why my post doesn't show, but hopefully I'm not spamming.
It sounds like you know how to save money on energy consumption so don't need Hohm. Questions about the water heater, if it is insulated or not is in the app. It is also one of the recommendations with the estimated amount that user would save.
My monthly bill is $50 so savings $200/month would be great.