Microsoft Hohm Review

Mid-last year, Microsoft announced the beta launch of its Green Team project, Microsoft Hohm.

Microsoft Hohm is a web-based application designed to help consumers reduce their energy bills by increasing our awareness about their energy use.

Microsoft Hohm can show you how much energy is being used, how much it costs and provide recommendations on how to can save energy around the house.

Studies have shown you can save 10-15%
of your energy cost through increased awareness.

How Does Microsoft Hohm Increase Awareness?

• Microsoft Hohm helps you understand where your energy goes and how to start saving immediately
• Microsoft Hohm can compare your energy use to friends and neighbors. It will actually show you how your energy usage compares to others in your area; mix, max, average.
• Microsoft Hohm allows you to engage with the online community to get tips and share your own
• Microsoft Hohm allows you to build a project list on how much you want to spend or save
• Microsoft Hohm allows you to take charge of your home energy use and learn how to
  help our planet

Is Microsoft Hohm Easy To Setup & Use?

Yes, Microsoft Hohm is easy to setup and use. Watch the video demo below that shows how easy it is to sign up and get started using Microsoft Hohm. Like hotmail, Microsoft Hohm requires you to create and login using your MSN account.

Microsoft Hohm is only available in the United States and is expected to be available for use in Canada later this year.

Microsoft Hohm Energy Report

One of the best features of Microsoft Hohm is its energy report. Here’s what you can expect from one of these reports:

Summary of Potential Savings

Annual Energy Usage Breakdown

Shows you a list recommending you ways to save energy

Microsoft Hohm compared to Google PowerMeter

The answer is “yes”, Microsoft Hohm is a direct competitor to Google’s PowerMeter software. Like Microsoft Hohm, Google PowerMeter is a free energy monitoring software tool that helps you save energy and money through increased energy use awareness.

Google PowerMeter allows you to track energy over time, predict your annual energy bill, has a budget tracker that allows you to set an energy savings goal for yourself and track your progress. It’s customizable; you can set your estimated cost per kWh and allows you to share your usage with family and friends. Google PowerMeter also has an online community where you can get tips on how to save from other Google PowerMeter users and share what has worked for you. One of the best features of Google PowerMeter is that it allows you to view your energy on your Smart Phone such as an iPhone.

Here’s a feature comparison for Microsoft Hohm vs. Google PowerMeter *:

* This table does not represent every feature of each product.

Microsoft Hohm Help & Support Community

Microsoft Hohm is more than just software, its an online community, being part of an online community that connects you with other people in your local geographical region (state, city). The benefit of this is every state has different billing and different companies that regulate energy, this ensures you get answers relating to you and not someone in a different state or city.

There’s an online library that where you can learn how you can reduce your home energy usage and start saving today. There are tips for practically every area of your home: Heating and Cooling, Walls, Windows and Doors, Lighting, Appliances, House Exterior. Below are links to Microsoft Hohm’s online community:

• Blog – http://blog.microsoft-hohm.com/
• Community – http://www.microsoft-hohm.com/Community.aspx
• Hohm Energy Report (Example) – http://blog.microsoft-hohm.com/Hohm-energy-report-sample.aspx
• Community Support – http://getsatisfaction.com/microsoft_hohm
• YouTube Channel – http://www.youtube.com/user/MicrosoftHohm
• Twitter – http://twitter.com/microsofthohm

Whole House Energy Monitors

The following products will allow you to measure energy use of your home. One of these products, the Power Cost Monitor, easily installs at your utility meter and is easy to use. Others, such as the TED 5000, TED 1001 and MTP 3000 install at the electrical panel and it is recommended that an electrician installs them for you. If you have any questions or would like help finding the right energy meter for your home, feel free to contact us toll free at: 1.877.766.5412

Buy the PowerCost Monitor

Power Cost Monitor is a home energy use monitor for residential kWh meters. Sensor attaches over your existing utility meter and wireless sends power use data to a remote display which you can locate anywhere in your home. Works with both analog (disc-type) and digital meters.

Buy the TED 5000 Home Energy Monitor

TED 5000 power meter is a next-generation home energy monitor that features a built-in web server, Google Power Meter compatibility, and optional remote display. TED5000 offers the home owner unparalleled access to power metering information.

Buy the The Energy Detective (TED 1001)

The Energy Detective (TED 1001) presents detailed electricity consumption information for residential or small business use. Max 200A, 120V, 60 Hz. North American use only. Optional Footprints datalogging software is available.

Buy the MTP 3000 Power Saver

The MTP 3000 Power Saver is a compact wireless electricity monitor designed to save you money on your electricity bill.

Summary

Overall, Microsoft Hohm seems to be an easy to use tool to help you reduce your energy use and save you money. What I like the most about Microsoft Hohm is the reporting system – its straight forward and even provides recommendations within the report without having to go elsewhere online. The best thing about it of course, is its free! I suggest that if you live in North America, US only for the time being, give it a try.

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Optimum Energy Products is a leading distributor for energy saving meter equipment. Find Power Meters on one of webstores, PowerMeterStore.com!

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