The average British adult relies on seven apps to optimize their daily life and save time, money and energy, according to new research from Smart Energy GB.
In fact, these “life management” apps are so crucial for some people that more than half (62 percent) say they would “struggle to follow their daily routines without them.”
Among users of this technology, around 68 percent of Britons use apps to manage their personal finances, 35 percent to plan schedules and 25 percent to stay on top of their fitness and well-being. And with the recent increase in the energy price cap, one of the key areas where apps are most useful is when it comes to energy.track energy usage.
According to the research, 21 per cent of Brits use apps to control home appliances and 69 per cent use energy management apps to check their smart meter and monitor their energy use. About two-thirds (65 percent) Of those who do so believe this has also helped them save money on their bills.
Now Smart Energy GB has teamed up with consumer finance expert Steph McGovern to offer her top tips and advice for getting the most out of life management apps, including how to use them to track energy spending and usage. .
Consumer finance expert Steph McGovern (pictured) has shared tips on how to save money using apps
To help consumers get the most out of these apps, Smart Energy GB has partnered with consumer finance expert. Stephen McGovern to offer helpful tips, including tracking expenses and writing off unused expenses.
According to research, the average adult uses seven life management apps to manage their daily routines, and half agree that their trusted apps are key to helping them stay productive.
More than three-quarters use smartphone apps to manage their homes, including checking their energy bills, setting timers and monitoring appliances.
Nearly half (44 percent) admit that their life management apps help them feel more in control and can even help them save money (65 percent).
Households who have a smart meter believe they have saved an average of £140 a year by using it to help with energy management.
Additionally, 22 percent say they use life management apps on their devices to help increase their productivity, and 46 percent say they help them save time.
Managing personal finances is also a useful feature for 68 percent, planning their schedules (35 percent), and staying on top of their fitness and well-being (25 percent).
Meanwhile, just over a fifth (21 per cent) use apps to control appliances and one in six (17 per cent) to adjust thermostats remotely, while seven in 10 (69 per cent) use energy management to check your smart meter. and monitor your energy usage.
A large number of Brits use apps to help reduce their energy consumption, as well as save time and stay on top of their fitness and wellbeing.
Research shows that the benefits of using life organizing apps are clear, but those with a smart meter could reap even more rewards.
Three quarters (77 per cent) of smart meter owners say they use apps to receive alerts that their energy supplier is running an energy reward scheme, which offers financial rewards for using energy more flexibly.
A whopping 97 percent say this information allows them to plan their weekly schedules to take advantage of potential savings by using less energy when demand is high and using more when excess is available.
42 per cent of Britons say they do their weekly food shopping via a supermarket app and 32 per cent use them to book social events, demonstrating how integrated these apps are into Brits’ daily lives.
Steph McGovern, consumer finance expert, said: ‘Apps have turned mobile phones into pocket-sized personal assistants that have become indispensable tools for managing our lives.
‘They really help you stay on top of your life management, especially finances, when it comes to energy usage and bills. And remember to keep an eye out for energy reward schemes that may be available to you, if you have a smart meter installed.
Victoria Bacon, director of Smart Energy GB, added: ‘We tend to feel much more in control when we have easy access and visibility into our bills, accounts and memberships. This is certainly the case when it comes to energy consumption.’
‘Many people with a smart meter use their energy provider’s app to manage their account, meaning they can check their usage and account balance remotely at any time, so the benefits of smart meters They already go beyond home viewing.
“Having a smart meter also allows you to access schemes or tariffs that reward you for being more flexible in your energy use.”
Steph McGovern shared her top six tips for reaping the financial and lifestyle benefits of handy smartphone apps.
1. Spreadsheet of your life
It sounds boring, but the more you know about what goes in and out, the more control you will have. There are plenty of apps to make it easy for you. They will categorize your expenses in a simple way so you can see where you could be wasting money.
2. Monitor your energy use
Use your smart meter data to stay on top of your home’s energy spending by regularly checking your usage and bills in your provider’s app. It will help you avoid unexpected spikes in your bills.
3. Stay informed
If you have a smart meter, notifications from the energy app will keep you up to date on any offers or plans that can help you reduce your bills.
4. Smart home heating
Many UK homes now have a smart thermostat. This gives you remote control of your home’s heating so you can choose when to turn it on. Like on the way home from work or when one of the energy reward programs is running.
5. Track unused subscriptions
There are apps that track the subscriptions you’re signed up for; They can be very useful when it comes to canceling services that you don’t need and that you may have forgotten about.
Don’t pay for things you don’t use. There are apps that will monitor your subscriptions and monthly payments and then cancel the ones you’re not using.
6.Make your money pay
Cash back, airline miles, and loyalty points are things you could accumulate every time you pay for something. Find apps with rewards that fit your needs.
If you are interested in learning more about installing a smart meter, you can visit www.smartenergygb.org or search for “get a smart meter.”
To find out more about the energy reward schemes available, customers should visit their energy provider’s website and download their apps.
