Sense: A Comprehensive Review of the Home Automation Module

SENSE SAVES: Sense saves you energy and money by providing insights into your home's energy use and activity. NOW SUPPORTING TIME-OF-USE RATE PLANS.

SEE WHAT'S UP. KNOW WHAT'S ON: Track how much electricity you're using, what time your kids got home, or when someone leaves the basement light on. Sense identifies patterns in your energy use to help your family be more efficient, informed, and secure.

MONITOR YOUR HOME'S ENERGY USE FROM ANYWHERE: Real-time data through our iOS, Android, and web apps.

AVOID DISASTER: Set custom notifications for critical devices, like your sump pump, well pump, or flat iron.

MEETS RIGOROUS SAFETY STANDARDS: Sense's components and system have been designed and ETL/Intertek certified for installation and operation inside the electrical panel. Sense is not currently available or compatible outside the United States and Canada.

Our Analysis and Key Insights

In this section, we will provide key insights into the Sense module and discuss its features and performance in more detail.

Real-time energy monitoring

One of the standout features of the Sense module is its ability to provide real-time data on your home's energy usage. This allows you to see how much electricity you're using at any given time and make adjustments to be more efficient. With this insight, you can identify energy-hungry devices and take steps to reduce their usage.

Identifying specific devices

Sense goes beyond just monitoring overall energy usage. It can also identify specific devices in your home and provide information on their energy consumption. This capability allows you to pinpoint which devices are using the most energy and take action accordingly. Whether it's a power-hungry appliance or a device that has been left on unnecessarily, Sense gives you the information you need to make informed decisions.

Slow detection of devices

While Sense excels at identifying devices, there have been reports of slower detection for some appliances. It may take several weeks for Sense to recognize certain devices, especially smaller ones like bathroom fans. However, once the device is identified, Sense continues to monitor its usage and provides you with the necessary information.

Limited device detection

It's important to note that Sense may not be able to detect all devices in your home, particularly newer ones like LED lights and air purifiers. This limitation can be frustrating if you're looking for a complete overview of your energy consumption. However, Sense's ability to identify major appliances and devices is still valuable for managing your usage.

Assigning correct usage to devices

One issue that users have encountered with Sense is the difficulty in assigning correct usage to devices. There is currently no way to mark incorrect assignments, which can lead to inaccurate statistics and usage data. While this may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it's worth considering if accurate tracking is important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sense save energy?

Yes, Sense provides insights into your home's energy use and helps you be more efficient.

Can Sense track individual devices?

Sense can identify patterns in your energy use and provide information about specific devices.

Is Sense easy to install?

Sense is designed for installation inside the electrical panel and meets safety standards.

Can Sense send custom notifications?

Yes, you can set up notifications for critical devices like sump pumps or flat irons.

Is Sense compatible outside the United States and Canada?

No, Sense is currently only available and compatible in the United States and Canada.

In conclusion, the Sense home automation module is a powerful tool for monitoring and managing your energy usage. With its real-time data, device detection capabilities, and safety certifications, it offers valuable insights that can help you save energy and money. While it may have some limitations in device detection and assigning usage correctly, its overall performance makes it a worthy investment for any smart home.