Product provided for the purpose of this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Living in a newer house has its perks. When we bought our home in 2012, I wanted to make sure it had the highest energy efficiency rating we could afford. Since we purchased a new build, thankfully they had to follow the latest building codes and guidelines which meant more insulation, better windows, Energy Star appliances, etc.
And I think it paid off. With almost 1,000 square feet more than our last home, our light bills are lower. I credit that to the fact that I’m very diligent about teaching my children to turn off lights, we are very conservative with the temperature inside our home, and when we aren’t using something, we always try to remember to unplug it. However, I’m more lenient on the latter because I really don’t like the idea of the kids constantly messing with the electrical cords. But if my husband and I noticed something, we will unplug it if not in use.
When it comes to the light bill, I’ve always wondered what contributes most to our energy output. If I had to guess, I’m assuming it’s the air conditioner. After the air conditioner, I would guess that our electrical appliances are second. Since we have a refrigerator/freezer unit plus an additional freezer in the garage, I’m sure we use quite a bit of energy there.
Those are pretty obvious. But what about the other things that you use in your home that you really don’t pay any attention to. Like the television, or the table lamp.
What is Plug2Know?
Cymbrio has developed a simple, affordable home energy management device that provides you with the information you need to make informed decisions regarding energy consumption. It’s a small device that easily plugs in to an electrical outlet to give you a reading on the current output. I decided to see how much electricity we were using with all our entertainment options in the living room.
I plugged in the Plug2Know and plugged in the power strip for the television, Apple TV, DVD, sound, etc. I wanted to see how much all that was costing per month. After letting it calculate for a few days, I decided to sneak a peek to see the reading on the unit. After scooting over the DVD player, there were three amber lights displaying from the unit.
According to Cymbrio, the lights on the unit move from green to amber to red as the energy cost increases. There are five LEDs across the top of the Plug2Know unit. The LED furthest to the left is the Range LED. The other four LEDs are the Consumption LEDs. Each color range has four levels that are indicated by how many LEDs are illuminated.
For example, the Range LED on my unit in the living room is empty, with three amber Consumption LEDs illuminated. That means that the devices plugged into the unit are consuming a low amount of energy. According the Energy Cost Look-Up Table provided by Cymbrio, it’s costing us a little over $4.31 for that outlet alone. 
And that is when everything is turned off. I left the DVD where I could see the unit behind the entertainment center, and when everything is on and running, the amber lights turn red meaning we are using even more energy which means it’s costing us even more.
Having the Plug2Know units in my home have really opened up my eyes to the money we are spending even when we don’t realize it. It’s been a great conversation starter with the children so that they can see even the smallest things can add up over time.
At right around $25 a unit (snag one now for the introductory price of $19.95), it’s an inexpensive way to see where you can cut back. There is a package with multiple units, but really one is all you need. It can easily be moved from outlet to outlet throughout the home. Once you know the energy output of one outlet, move the unit to the next.
Where do you think you’re using the most energy in your home?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I seriously think that if my boys could just simply remember to shut off the lights when they leave a room, we would be in much better shape.
Rick Pennington says
Plug2Know can help engage your family in the energy savings activities at your home. Get one today at http://www.cymbrio.com – and order one for your mom too! 🙂
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Plug2Know sounds like a great product. I’d definitely love to see how much power we consume with our electronics.
Rick Pennington says
Order your own today at http://www.cymbrio.com.
Pam says
This is a cool product. It would be good to know where I am using the most energy.
MJ L says
Really cool! I need to get me one of these to see how much energy we are using!
Jamie says
What an interesting device!! I’ve never heard of that, but would love to use one to teach my son to turn off the switches!! 🙂
Catherine S says
This sounds like a useful device. I think the bulk of ours is the air conditioner. I work from home and my office is on the second floor. It gets hot upstairs especially in the summer.
Rick Pennington says
I’m a little biased (I co-invented Plug2Know) but I agree that Plug2Know is a useful device.
Air conditioning can definitely be a major part of your monthly energy bills but you may be surprised how much can come from the devices you have plugged into your outlets. Plug2Know can help you discover exactly what part of your bill is coming from those devices.
Eliza Ferree says
This is neat. My bills were always low in CA but we are about to get our first electric bill since our move to IN so we’ll see. A big problem is all the devices plugged in, I know they are on power strips but like you I know that is an energy waster, plus the leaving bedroom lights on. I use windows to use natural lighting when they are in school but otherwise that is my issue.
Jaclyn Anne says
What a neat way to see what is causing a high electric bill!
Rick Pennington says
You can order one today at http://www.cymbrio.com. Take advantage of the $19.95 introductory pricing.
Liz Mays says
I didn’t know these were available! How cool! It would be super nice to keep track of my energy.
Shell says
It would be so interesting to see this! We moved to a newer house that has lower ceilings instead of the huge vaulted one in our old house and our energy bills are dramatically lower.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
That’s a really interesting tool! I think we use the most energy in our lights and A/C.
Debra says
This is SO cool! I want one to see what we are using!
Rick Pennington says
We would be glad to send you one 🙂 Order one today at http://www.cymbrio.com and take advantage of the $19.95 introductory pricing.
Ora Lee Gurr says
Plug2Know sounds like an ideal way to see what’s using energy around the house. When our side-by-side refrigerator quits, I will get a smaller model. Even though the larger one is energy efficient, we just don’t need something that big.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
We have stuff plugged in everywhere. I can only imagine how much power we are using! What a smart device.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
We used a similar device to see how much energy each of our appliances was using! It can be surprising which ones are the least efficient!
Michele says
This year it is definitely the a/c–I tried living without it for a while but it became unbearable with just the fans. Then it is probably my refrigerator.
Jeanine says
Wow this sounds pretty fabulous. Our hydro bill can sometimes be a little steep. My kids leave lights on, tvs on and it drives me just nuts. I’ll have to see about this!
Rick Pennington says
Take advantage of introductory pricing of $19.95 and order your own at http://www.cymbrio.com today.
Marcie W. says
I know our a/c units (we have two!) are definitely our biggest expense but have no idea about everything else. I would really love to know the specifics on which of our other devices are the most costly when it comes to energy consumption.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
Wow! What an awesome device! Brilliant! This is a great way to train ourselves (and our children!) to conserve!
Jasmine says
I could totally use this in my house! With five boys my electric bill can get out of hand
Rick Pennington says
Plug2Know can help you engage your entire family in energy saving efforts at your house. Order a Plug2Know today at http://www.cymbrio.com. Your wallet will thank you 🙂
Ann BAcciaglia says
I tend to keep the tv on all day. I know that is an energy waster but I love to have it one while I work. I do make an effort to make sure all the lights are off in the house when I am the only one home.
Theresa says
Wow, this is such a neat device! I need one so I can pinpoint exactly what’s costing us so much on our electricity bills!
Rick Pennington says
We’re happy to send you one 🙂 Just go to http://www.cymbrio.com and take advantage of the introductory pricing ($19.95).
Liz Mays says
I suspect at my house it’s the furnace-A/C but that’s because I can’t turn it off without flipping the breaker. It’s broken, so we’re always running the fan. Not good!
Dogvills says
I need this device! Although we try so hard to save on electricity, our bill is still high.
Rick Pennington says
We agree. Plug2Know can really help you understand where energy is being consumed and where there may be energy waste. Get one today at http://www.cymbrio.com and take advantage of the introductory pricing.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I have purchased Energy Star rated appliances, but as a renter with no control over the build of my apartment, I’m sure there are places to cut back and I’m sure the wiring in here is probably pre-war! LOL
Tammileetips says
Our home is older so I think the appliances would be a big part of the electric cost. What a neat device to find the hidden coasts in your electronics at home.
addi ganley says
I am sure our appliances use a lot of energy. i try to be very conscious of saving energy whenever possible. I think we need to analyze the costs a bit better.
Kate K (My Mommy Brain) says
I’ve always wondered if these worked. It’s a great concept!
Christie says
I didn’t know you could measure the output yourself! Having an older home, I definitely would want to test where consumption is coming from
Latoicha says
I know I am using the most energy in my house in the washroom washing clothes. It is a constant with two active kids.
Jacqui Odell says
My energy bill is HIGH!! This could come in handy!
Rick Pennington says
Jacqui – we completely agree.
Jody @ Mommy Moment says
That is so neat – I have never heard of anything like that before. I am all for saving energy consumption. Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer Medeiros says
All my computers of course!
diane says
I am passionate about green living and reducing my carbon footprint. This is a great idea to help people not only save money but tread more lightly on the planet as well!
Rick Pennington says
Diane – we agree completely!