The top 10 energy efficiency smartphone apps, courtesy of the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).  The Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency worldwide through research, education and advocacy. To learn more about this great organization, please visit them at www.ase.org.

Energy Management Apps

1)    Kill-Ur-Watts
Using your energy consumption data, the smartphone app Kill-Ur-Watts will keep track of your energy use over time and develop strategies for energy reduction. Created for the Department of Energy’s “Apps for Energy†Challenge in 2012, KeyLogic Systems, Inc. created the app (FREE on iTunes) that provides customizable graphs and lets you view your carbon footprint. Once you know your energy score – challenge your family and friends!

2)    Wiser EMS

FREE on iTunes, Schneider Electric’s energy management app, The Wiser Energy Management System (Wiser EMS), makes energy use easy to view and understand with infographics. Families can see where they need to reduce energy consumption to get the best bang for their buck.

3)    Energy Tracker

The Energy Tracker app allows you to avoid unnecessary energy expenses. With just a few simple taps, you’ll see just how much energy your appliance or system has used. Plus, you can export the data gathered by the app to your computer in a CSV file.  The app, by iOS Apps Austria, is just $0.99 on iTunes.

Watt & Cost Calculators

4)    Energy Cost Calculator

FREE on iTunes, the Energy Cost Calculator is a simple equation-based system that calculates energy costs.  Input your estimated consumption used per hour, how many hours of energy used per day, and the cost per Kilowatt or Watt – and you will find out what you’re paying. Just beware – the results may astonish you!

5)    Green Outlet

Recommended by Treehugger.com, ecogadget.com, and DailyTekk.com, the Green Outlet allows you to figure out what appliances in your house use the most energy. And then, after entering some personal data, the app will calculate your average monthly cost! The app, by Key Lime 314, is only $0.99 on iTunes.

Thermostats

6)    NestMobile

Nest Mobile, by Nest Labs, is FREE on iTunes and it allows you to change the temperature of your house from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch…and you can control it from anywhere! With your iRemote, set the temperature higher on your way home or lower the temperature if you decide to stay out longer than planned. Important note: While the app saves you energy and money, it only works with the Nest Learning Thermostat.

7)    Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Free on iTunes, the Ecobee app acts as a smart thermostat wherever you are. The app helps you understand the energy demands of heating, cooling, and ventilation. You can also download information from the app on your computer to develop reports and charts. Important note: The app can help you create temperature schedules and save at home, but it only works with its companion, Ecobee Smart Thermostat.

At Home, Buying a Home and On the Go

8)    CodeGreen Energy

Free on iTunes, CodeGreen Energy  is the new Energy Star app that allows you to compare the energy efficiency of buildings in your area. It’s a great resource that can inform real estate investors, and other professionals interested in comparing building efficiencies. Just enter an address, and the Energy Star score will appear for the building at the location, along with details about the building’s energy use.

9)    Light Bulb Finder

With the FREE Light Bulb Finder app for Android and iPhone users, you can find out where to purchase energy-efficient light bulbs. The app guides you through the quick and easy process, starting with gathering information about what bulbs you are already using at home. After that, you will be given a recommendation about the best bulb alternative based on cost savings and environmental impact!

10)   GasBuddy

The GasBuddy app, by GasBuddy Organization, is FREE on iTunes and searches for the cheapest gas prices in your area. So save at the pump by using this helpful tool.