7 best apps to save energy (and therefore money) (2022)

Energy costs a lot of money. You already know tips such as “setting the heating a few degrees lower”, but these free apps make it easier to save energy and money. This is our selection.

1. JouleBug

Saving energy is sometimes a matter of adopting new habits and challenging yourself. That can also be quite difficult, but an app like JouleBug does it in a positive way and makes it a social event too.

In the app you can register every time you do something saving, such as: washing with a cold temperature, flushing less with your toilet or opting for the bicycle instead of the car. You can use the app together with friends and family to see what kind of things they do. JouleBug also shows you statistics of your saving choices and it also contains tips with an explanation each time. JouleBug is also fun to use with kids because that ‘gamification’ strategy of saving keeps it from feeling like a chore.

2. HomeWizard Energy

As much as JouleBug or other apps in this list can help or motivate you to make smart choices, the most effective thing you can do is monitor your usage thoroughly. HomeWizard has a good app that allows you to monitor your electricity and gas consumption in detail on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis.

The app makes your consumption clear in graphs, and if you also own solar panels, you can also see how much energy you generate. In this way you can gain more insight into your energy consumption. For example, you can choose to set up the dishwasher in the afternoon and not in the evening, when the sun is strongest.

To measure your consumption, you need the HomeWizardWi-Fi P1 Meter, which you can purchase for 29.95 euros. You connect it directly to your digital energy meter. Read our findings about HomeWizard in our review on AWSmart.nl.

3. ANWB On the Road & Roadside Assistance

This app will need no introduction for many. Not only do you stay informed about traffic jams with ANWB Weg & Wegenwacht, but the app also shows the current fuel prices. On a map you will find all gas stations in your area, each with an indication of the price for fuel per litre.

In the Settings of ANWB Along the way you can indicate which type of engine your car has. If you drive electrically, the app can also guide you to a charging station in your area. The ANWB app has been around for 10 years now. There are also more good apps to save money at gas stations.

4. Raw material prices

At present, it is not only energy prices that are highly volatile in Europe. The same goes for the price of raw materials and the products you buy in the supermarket. The Raw Material Prices app can inform you, for example, when the price of, for example, wood falls. When it has reached a low point, you know it’s time to buy.

5. Electricity Cost Calculator

Would you rather calculate the energy costs of a certain electronic device? This is easy with the Electricity Cost Calculator. You enter the consumption in watts together with the number of hours that the device is used and the price you pay for electricity. Then you see how much the device costs you per hour, daily, monthly or yearly. This tool can be useful when you want to buy an electronic device and compare the consumption of different devices.

6. BlaBlaCar: Carpooling and Bus

In addition to refueling at the cheapest gas stations, it is wise to limit your car use as much as possible where possible. Instead of driving to work every day, you can also carpool. This works well via the BlaBlaCar app. You enter where and when you want to go somewhere, and then the app shows all participating drivers who are going in the same direction as you. You can then ride in exchange for a certain amount.

7. Tado, Nest and others

We already wrote about the HomeWizard Energy app that provides a nice overview of your gas and electricity consumption. However, it is still useful to combine a smart energy meter with a smart thermostat. A thermostat like the Tado V3+ learns your habits and only heats when needed. It also detects when a window is open and it also takes the weather forecast into account when regulating your heating.

In addition to the Tado, the Nest Learning Thermostat is also a good option. It comes with handy energy reports that tell you exactly how much you have saved. Recently we talked extensively on Androidworld about the best smart thermostats of the moment. In addition, check out our favorite apps to save money on all kinds of things. And there are more smart home products than just smart thermostats that can help you save.

Do you know of any other apps that help you pay less for your energy? Let us know in the comments.