The Rise of Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) and Their Benefits

As more UK homeowners are looking for ways to manage and optimise their energy consumption, the adoption of home energy management systems (HEMS) has surged — and continues to be a popular choice. A Delta-EE report recently claimed that the uptake of home energy management systems is set to rise by 31% each year over the next five years as more and more people are seeing the benefits.

But what is a home energy management system? Why are they an increasingly popular choice for homeowners? And how can they help you to optimise your home’s energy usage?

What is a Home Energy Management System (HEMS)?

A home energy management system (HEMS) is designed to let a user monitor, control, and optimise a home’s energy usage. It utilises a central unit or ‘hub’, which connects to other monitoring and control devices like smart thermostats and smart plugs, to make real-time adjustments to your home’s energy consumption.

Home energy management systems use software, usually in the form of an online dashboard or smartphone app to allow you to monitor and control your home’s energy usage through all the connected hardware. This software will also analyse your home’s heating and look for clever ways to optimise your usage, like enabling Smart Modes.

Why Are Home Energy Management Systems So Popular?

The popularity of home energy management systems has grown significantly for several reasons. Most importantly, as energy costs continue to rise homeowners are always looking for practical ways to reduce their energy bills. This also rings true for environmentally-conscious homeowners who want to reduce their home’s carbon footprint.

It’s also down to the rapid development of smart home technology, which has made HEMS more accessible and user-friendly. With the evolution of smart devices and improved connectivity, it’s easier than ever for homeowners to implement and benefit from an energy management system.

Benefits Of Home Energy Management Systems

• Cost savings: One of the most significant advantages of HEMS is the potential for substantial cost savings on energy bills. By optimising energy use and reducing waste, homeowners see a welcome reduction in their monthly expenses.
• Enhanced comfort and convenience: HEMS delivers improved control over your home environment, ensuring that heating and even lighting are always at optimal levels for your lifestyle. This leads to a more seamless, comfortable living space without the need for constant manual adjustments.
• Increased energy efficiency: By continuously monitoring and adjusting energy consumption, energy management systems help to maximise the efficiency of home systems and appliances. This reduces energy waste and extends your devices' lifespan by preventing overuse and unnecessary strain.
• Environmental benefits: Reducing energy consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
• Data insights and analytics: HEMS offer detailed insights into your energy usage patterns, helping you to understand your consumption habits better. This data can be used to make informed decisions about energy use and identify opportunities for even more savings.

With the ability to reduce your energy usage and cut your monthly energy bill while maintaining a comfortable home all year round, it’s easy to see why home energy management systems are constantly gaining popularity.

If you’d like to start enjoying the benefits that an energy management system can deliver to your home, learn more about how Wiser can benefit you and choose a kit that’s the best fit for your needs here.