What Is the Energy Dashboard?
A smart home can be about more than just the latest software update or the most convenient way to turn on your lights. For example, smart technology can help you feel less overwhelmed when it comes to tasks and chores. And there are apps like the Energy Dashboard that can help you try to be a good steward to the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
Using the Energy Dashboard
Accessing the Energy Dashboard is easy. You shouldn’t have to manually add each device, as the Alexa app will automatically list it if it reports energy information.
Tap Devices. Tap Energy Dashboard in the upper-middle section (you may have to scroll a few items like Guard and Hunches to the left. )
You’ll see a wealth of helpful information, including an overview of all smart devices that can report their energy usage. You’ll see the estimated total energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh.) You can:
Monitor trends like carbon footprint increases or decreases. View time uses for your devices measured in hours. View statistics per week or per month. Tailor your report to filter information for all devices, or lights, or plugs, etc. View suggested routines, such as having Alexa turn off your porch light off at sunrise for your local region. Drill down on specific device information, for example your backyard light.
Choose Learn more or Help links with a summary of information on using and understanding the energy dashboard.
Entering Wattage Information to Improve Accuracy
If you use a smart plug, you can enter specific information on the device that is plugged into it. This helps customize your report and keep it as accurate as possible. For example, if you have a lamp plugged into your smart plug, you can enter the wattage rating of your lamp light bulb.
At the Energy Dashboard, tap Plugs in the top right. Tap View plugs that need wattage info. Tap your device name under PLUGS. Tap to check the radio button next to Light. Enter the wattage of your device and tap Save.
You can typically find the wattage amount printed on the light bulb or its packaging. You can total the wattage if you have more than one device plugged into your smart plug.
Alexa Energy Dashboard: Smart to the Last Watt
If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, your smart home can include more than just control of your devices. It’s smart to monitor the wattage of each electrical device, and adjust your usage as you see fit.
