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eMonitor Energy Monitor
In stock: ready to ship.
Quick Overview
The eMonitor is the most accessible and comprehensive residential home energy monitoring system on the market combining circuit-by-circuit detail, easy expansion, cloud storage, and exceptional analytics.
NOTE: The new eMonitor4 is not backwards compatible, for those looking to expand existing eMonitor systems please contact us for more information (support@energycircle.com).
Availability
We are now taking orders for the newly released residential eMonitor4. Orders placed will be filled as eMonitor4 units become available, orders orders are expected to ship two to three weeks.
Figuring out the right eMonitor configuration can be tricky -- don't hesitate to call us at 207-847-3644 or send email to support@energycircle.com -- we'll help you work out the configuration that's right for you.
NOTE: The eMonitor4 requires a separate software service agreement that includes proactive monitoring, alerts, software upgrades, unlimited data storage, ongoing support and more. This license is sold separately through Powerhouse Dynamics at time of system registration. Pricing details on the service are below or in our FAQ. Additionally, renewable monitoring is now possible on all models and is added during registration.
NOTE: The eMonitor4 requires a WiFi connection.
Free iPhone App available through iTunes.
Product Description
The new iteration of the Powerhouse Dynamics eMonitor (eMonitor 4) improves on the world's best whole-house, circuit-by-circuit energy monitoring and management system by adding a host of design enhancements including wireless connectivity, easy expansion, as well as a sleeker modular design and easier installation.
Not Just Another Hardware Based Electricity Monitor
eMonitor is a service that lets you view your home's 24x7, minute-by-minute electricity use, electricity cost, and carbon footprint, as well as historical information by day, month, or year, all in a password protected web site, with an exceptional graphical interface anywhere you can access the Internet, including an iOS App.
eMonitor goes far beyond just your current usage and displaying the raw data it collects from your house -- the eMonitor service analyzes your usage and presents information in aggregate and in detail in a number of ways that help you understand how your home is using energy, what it all means, and importantly: what you can change in order to use the energy you need, efficiently, effectively, and smartly.
Not Just Data: Information You Can Use
Bruce, a customer, reports "After about 3 weeks of monitoring my home w/ eMonitor, I am totally sold on its value. It has helped me sort out our rather co-mingled wiring, find where the "phantom" loads are (and even a leak to ground), and identify just what devices are costing us. It has been eye opening - and I'm in the energy efficiency business. Has fascinated my family and colleagues and helped us to look for even more saving opportunities and habit changes."
While other stand-alone hardware solutions provide a snapshot of your usage at any given moment, the eMonitor service collects data and stores it over time so that you can see how your home operates as a system. No other energy monitoring system comes close to the level of detail, analysis and actionable information that the eMonitor service can provide.
Circuit-by-Circuit Detail
The cutting-edge feature of the eMonitor service is its capability to display electricity use by individual circuit so you can see real-time and historical information of everything using energy, not just major appliances, entertainment centers, and air conditioning, but also the circuits you may not have realized are actually a significant part of your home's energy usage.
In addition to storing detailed historical data on electrical usage, the service keeps you continuously up to speed on your home's energy usage by providing you with a broad set of alerts, sent by email or text message. For example if circuits are overloaded, if there are problems with appliances or your renewable sources, if your electricity usage is unusual, or if your energy bills are approaching a threshold (set by you).
How It Works
The new eMonitor4 hardware is now split to more easily fit inside the electrical panel itself and remove the need to complicated wiring. The eMonitor4 base unit goes inside the panel and transmit wirelessly to the eMonitor gateway which in turn connects to your home’s WiFi network. Each module can record the usage and other data from the electrical circuits in your house. The eMonitor hardware is very flexible and easily installed near to your home's electrical service entrance.
Each eMonitor configuration comes with hardware to monitor a number of "channels" -- typically a channel is the same as one of your electrical circuits. But eMonitor is flexible enough to handle cases like 240v "unbalanced" circuits, several smaller circuits "bundled" into a single channel, sub-panels, larger services with multiple panels (e.g. 400a, 600a, etc), panels in different locations, inputs from solar, wind, generators and almost any electrical configuration found in North American homes having 2-phase 240v electrical services.
Most American homes can be covered with one eMonitor4-24, which includes hardware for two 120v mains, and 22 additional channels. Additional configurations are available for homes of all sizes; we’ve seen installations that use only a few channels to one that strings together half a dozen systems to measure a multi-family co-housing development.
The eMonitor is also equipped to integrate with some wi-fi enabled thermostats, and will have future capability to remotely control individual outlets through smart plugs, and may integrate with many existing home control systems. Planned future enhancements also include the ability to monitor other energy sources such as natural gas and home heating oil.
What You’ll Need
The eMonitor modules allow a wide range of configurations. In a typical home, there's a single main service panel with two main wires ("phases"), each carrying 120v. The mains distribute power to individual circuits -- usually from one 120v phase. Larger loads like dryers, air handlers, ranges, and so on use power from each of the two phases to have a single 240v circuit.
The eMonitor hardware has a fixed number of "channels" -- 2 are needed for the main phases, and in a simple configuration one channel for each 120v circuit and each "balanced" 240v circuit -- 2 channels are needed for unbalanced 240v circuits such as dryers and water heaters. We recommend monitoring each circuit separately, but there are cases where you can "bundle" two or three circuits into a single channel. Circuits not monitored will be recorded as a single measurement labeled as “unmonitored power”.
Here are some example configurations and the basic monthly service license fees:
| Service Type: | Configuration | 2-year Pre-Paid Service | Monhtly Service |
| Basic Monitoring | Up to 14 circuits per home Up to 24 circuits per home Up to 44 circuits per home | $173 $240 $324 | $7.99 $10.99 $14.99 |
| Expanded Monitoring | Additional sets of 24 circuits (each) | $108 | $4.99 |
| Renewable Power Generation | Includes all renewable sources in home | $108 | $4.99 |
**The eMonitor requires a seperate 2-year software service agreement, which is sold through PowerHouse Dyanmics during system registration. The service agreement can be pre-paid for the full two years for a slight discount, or can be paid monthly using a major credit card. Service covers proactive monitoring and alerts, free software upgrades, unlimited data storage, and more. For more information see our eMonitor Q&A page.
*The Renewable monitoring license enables monitoring and separate display of inputs from renewable energy sources. Significant additional functionality is enabled through this license so it is highly recommended if your home is powered by solar panels or wind. The Renewable monitoring license is not needed for power inputs like backup generators. The "s" models are used for sub-panels, or to allow monitoring additional circuits on a larger service panel and therefore can only be purchased to extend a system, but cannot be used on their own.
We Thought You'd Like To Know
Installation: The eMonitor measures electricity with split-core current transformers (CT's) that clamp around each wire for each circuit in your panel, plus CT's for the two main power leads that feed your home's mail panels’ electrical supply. There are no special electrical connections or wiring required -- the CT clamps wrap around the wires, and measure current through induction.
While a qualified homeowner could easily perform the work, Powerhouse Dynamics recommends having installation done by a qualified electrician, as the breaker panel cover needs to be removed. (Note: depending on your locality, there may be a local ordinance requiring all work done within an electrical panel be performed by a licensed electrician.) The lead wires from each CT run to the eMonitor which is mounted inside the electrical panel. The eMonitor then sends the data wirelessly to the Gateway, which is installed next to an outlet within 30’ of the electrical panels. The Gateway then communicates via WiFi with your home's Internet router - NOTE - the eMonitor4 requires a WiFi connection.
NOTE: The new eMonitor4 is not backwards compatible, for those looking to expand existing eMonitor systems please contact us for more information or order a previous generation eMonitor here.
Need to Know More?
More Details and Frequently Asked Questions about eMonitor Service
Or watch this video review by Chris Hunt from Power Down.
Nitty Gritty
WARRANTY
Powerhouse Dynamics (the manufacturer) will replace any of the Powerhouse Dynamics products found to be defective for two (2) years. Powerhouse Dynamics reserves the right to change this warranty at any time or for any specific product. The warranty in place at the time of a sale will prevail for that customer. Powerhouse Dynamic’s sole warranty obligation concerning any of the products shall be limited to those obligations stated above or in any written warranty enclosed with the products. Questions about returns can be directed to support@energycircle.com
RETURNS
Energy Circle accepts returns of eMonitor within 30 days of shipment. eMonitor must be returned in same condition it was delivered, including all packaging and original shipping box. All CTs must be neatly wrapped. $55 restocking fee applies to each eMonitor.
SHIPPING COST
For each eMonitor module ordered, there's a flat rate of $35.
Customer Reviews
How can you make your house more energy efficient if you have no idea where you energy is going? I have been using this device for 1 1/2 years now and it has been fantastic. I have been recommending it to all my friends. I did a lot of research before I bought this and I am confident I made the right choice,
I now know exactly what is using electricity in my house and I have been able to measure the improvement that I have been making over time.
For example I had some small halogen lights in my living room and I was under the mistaken impression that these lights were reasonable efficient but they turned out to be in the top 3 energy consumers in my house as shown by the emonitor. I replaced them with led lights and now they use 1/5th of the energy and no longer show up as big energy users.
The other thing I found out is just how much electricity my office PC was using. I have saved nearly $100 in energy usage just by switching off my computer when I am not using it. On the other hand my mac in the living room seems to use only a small amount of electricity when not in use so I leave that on most of the time. Without emonitor I would have never realized this.
I bought an electrical car recently and the emonitor has been great in tracking how much electricity it is using,
I had an electrician install the monitor but it is pretty simple to do yourself. I had a few minor problems with the device initially and their support people have been very helpful in fixing my issue quickly.
Posted by Paul Beerkens on May 8, 2012 2:45pmI'm in agreement with the others on the monthly fee, but from another POV. We're an Electronic Systems Contractor, specializing in home/small office control. With people becoming more interested in energy monitoring, we're looking to add to our product line.
While I truly understand the recurring revenue model is attractive to the manufacturer, we are not interesting in selling a product where we have to tell our customers their data is uploaded to the web and BTW there's an additional charge.
So while this product is attractive to some, as professionals, it's not of interest to us.
Posted by Jerry Stuckle on Mar 15, 2012 9:37amI've had an eMonitor for about a year (200A service, generator, ~40 circuits) and a Veris E30 (400A service, generator, ~80 circuits, mains voltage and one phase of gen voltage when transfer switch not switched) with Obvius and their data monitoring (on 2 different houses). Anyone considering a higher circuit count installation should definitely consider both systems.
Some pros and cons:
Veris/Aquisuite pros:
If you can fit the CT bars in your installation, they make for a very neat install. I custom made the connection cables between the bars and the monitor.
Accuracy on amps and volts is way better than the eMonitor at low power levels.
Separate voltage monitoring is handy as I put my monitoring equipment on a UPS so the voltage never varies, rendering the voltage monitoring on the eMonitors useless.
High resolution data is available for prior periods. If I want to look in detail at one hour six months ago, I can do it.
Obvius monitoring is $200/year and they provide a complete interface if you want to DIY.
eMonitor pros:
It may be easier to do individual clamp on CTs in many applications, but its tough to make it look neat when you stuff a CB panel full of those things.
The monitoring software is infinitely cooler than the industrial strength Obvius stuff
iPhone app
Monitoring is less expensive for smaller installation, but more expensive for larger
I'm starting another install and it's a toss up between the two. I need 88 - 90 circuits and 3 power sources (mains, PV, gen) monitored. I think I will see if I can get a better/longer term deal on monitoring from PD. The Veris unit is very usable without monitoring, but the eMonitor much less so.
Posted by DS on Dec 11, 2011 11:53amI have my units for about a year now. I would probably rate it a 4.5 stars.
AFAIK it is still by far the best value for per circuit monitoring.
Support has been excellent. I purchased my units somewhat on leap of faith. I have a very complicated setup that included battery backed Outback Inverters, Grid-tie only Xantrex inverter, multiple panels, etc. Out of the box the system didn't quite support my system in that way that I wanted but now it is working pretty well.
I love being able to check on the system remotely. I run network operations teams so I know what it is like to have a keep a service running. I've had computers that I used for dedicated instrumentation, I am perfectly happy to let someone else do that at this point.
The areas that need still need improvement are in data presentation. Fortunately those can be fixed easily. In the time that I've had the units they have made great improvements, they just have to keep it going.
The system does need a "dashboard" feature can be kept running in the house. The current iPhone/iPad application is a start.
I bought the units w/ 5 years of service. I do agree that the current monthly service price feels a little bit out of line. The monthly rate for my 44 circuit configuration would be about the same as my net metering cost.
Posted by Arnold de Leon on Jul 23, 2011 5:16pmIt's worth remembering that the monthly fee doesn't kick in until after two years. By that time you can decide if you've gotten all the information you need from the system or if it's worth the monthly fee to continue receiving the alerts and data mining. I really don't see it as a deal breaker for me at all...
Posted by ChandlerDesign on Jul 10, 2011 6:54pmPowerhouse Dynamics weighs in on this issue in their FAQ for the eMonitor:
What happens at the end of the monitoring period; do I have to continue my subscription to continue to use the eMonitor? If you choose to terminate your description, you can still get access to your basic eMonitor data in one of 2 ways. First, the eMonitor device itself has an embedded web server that you can access over the web like any other site. We can provide you with the URL at any time. (Please note that this is raw data with no graphics, but does provide real-time energy usage numbers). Second, there is a data service that would allow you to export data from the system to a local PC in real-time. We will also provide you with all historical data upon request. What you no longer get when you discontinue your subscription is access to the on-line Dashboard, all diagnostics, analysis and alerts.
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For more: http://www.powerhousedynamics.com/faq
Posted by SageFriedman on Jul 12, 2011 9:37amI think you are missing several of the points in that it's not just the money, rather (1) the personal privacy issues as well as (2) having access to our own data on OUR terms, not pumping it on-line to be stored and analyzed by someone else.
Posted by Anonymous on Jul 10, 2011 11:01pmI'm not missing those points. Just less paranoid about sharing the ammeter readings of my buildings with hackers as I feel like they have more interesting things to hack.
The eMonitor does give me the ability to download the raw data as an excel file and analyze the numbers myself but that seems minimally useful to me as the reports their system generates are the ones I'm interested in.
Posted by ChandlerDesign on Jul 10, 2011 11:25pmIt's worth remembering that the monthly fee doesn't kick in until after two years. By that time you can decide if you've gotten all the information you need from the system or if it's worth the monthly fee to continue receiving the alerts and data mining. I really don't see it as a deal breaker for me at all...
Posted by ChandlerDesign on Jul 10, 2011 6:53pmI was totally pumped that I had finally found an electricity monitoring device that did what I want--then I saw the monthly fee. Echoing what others have said: LAME. Completely crummy business model. Being a software person, part of me wants to get one and see if I can reverse engineer the protocol, but I'll just keep looking for another device (sadly I don't think there is one at this price point, so I guess that's why they can get away with such stupidity). I'll also raise the personal privacy flag and point out that the idea of my PER CIRCUIT energy usage going across the internet (I'm sure unencrypted) is not so enticing.
How very disappointing.
Posted by Ryan on Jul 9, 2011 8:36am