There are thousands of iPhone and Android apps out there to help you save energy in the home and on the road. Here’s five of our favourites (they’re all free!)
British Gas App
Free, iOS and Android
Do away with estimated bills with the British Gas app. It’s an absolute doddle to submit your meter readings for gas and electricity — it’s even got a torch function so you can read your meter in the dark. Another neat touch is the ability to track your energy usage and compare it with other customers in your local area. The other major energy suppliers all have similar free apps, so no matter who you’re with you can monitor and reduce your energy use.
Fuel Good
Free, iOS and Android
From the good folks at the Energy Saving Trust, Fuel Good turns fuel-efficient driving into a game. The app tracks your car journeys using GPS and estimates the amount of fuel you have used based on the age and type of car you drive. It can then compare your fuel consumption to an ‘average’ driver of a similar car, and tell you how efficient your driving style is. It also gives you tips to help improve your driving.
Drip Detective
Free, iOS
A simple but oddly addictive app, Drip Detective tells you how much water is being wasted by that pesky dripping tap. All you have to do is tap the screen every time the tap drips. After just a couple of taps, the app will calculate the drip-rate and let you know how much money you are losing in a year. It uses American units by default, but a little bit of fiddling with the settings is all it takes to find out how much water and money is going down the drain.
Recycle Guide
Free, Android
Sometimes the simplest apps are the best. Just tell Recycle Guide what you’ve got, and it will show you on a map where you can recycle it. Sorry Apple fans, as far as we can tell it’s only available on Android devices.
Eco Charger
Free, Android
Leaving your phone on charge unnecessarily is a big no-no if you’re serious about being eco friendly. The Eco Charger app will detect when your phone is fully charged and then annoy you with an alarm sound and vibration until you take it off charge. You’ll think twice about leaving your phone plugged in all night after installing this bad boy! Another Android only app.
View our home energy saving measures here.