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Smart meters will soon start appearing in homes across the UK, with the aim being that every home will have one by 2020. This is a huge change that will have many positive benefits for households and small businesses across the country. But what do you need to know about smart meters to help you decide whether you want one in your home or not?

How a Smart Meter Is Different

Standard meters, or 'dumb' meters as they are becoming known, require you or someone from your energy company to check the meter reading. With smart meters, this will not be necessary. Instead, the reading will be sent electronically, providing an accurate reading at all times without the need for anyone to check it.

Pros and Cons of Smart Meters

When deciding whether you want a smart meter in your home, it is worth looking at the advantages and disadvantages. However, you will soon realise that the pros far outweigh the cons.

For a start, accurate readings mean there will be no more need for estimated billing. The readings will always be accurate, and this could end up saving you money.

Smart meters are also a lot more convenient, not just for you but also for the energy companies. No one will have to take the meter readings any longer, saving time and resources.

You will also be able to see exactly how much power you are using, not just each week but even each day or at different times of the day. This can help you to cut your usage because you will have a greater awareness of how you use energy.

It is also possible that some people may find them confusing if they are not used to using electronic screens. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that your energy company will always be prepared to help and answer your questions.

How Else Can You Save Money on Your Energy Use?

Smart meters may well help you to save energy and therefore money. However, there are many other ways that you could save energy at home.

Smart thermostats are another example of how technology is helping us to make positive changes. The Nest Learning Thermostat, which comes for a reduced price on some tariffs such as npower's Intelligent Fix tariff, can help you to reduce energy use at home. It turns down the heating when you are not in, learns your routine and programmes itself, which could help to cut your power usage.

Not everything has to be hi-tech, however. Why not consider some more traditional ways to use less power? These could include turning down the thermostat by one degree, installing double or triple-glazing windows, installing insulation in the roof or walls, and being stricter about turning off computers and other devices when you are not using them.

Be Smart About Reducing Your Energy

There are many ways to reduce your energy use at home. Smart meters will hopefully help households to become more aware of what they are using and reduce their energy use accordingly, and smart devices like the Nest thermostat can also play a significant role.

But don't forget about the simple techniques because they can help you to make a significant reduction in your energy usage.

Jade Pugh has been researching domestic energy for over a decade now. In a world of ever-changing technology, she often blogs about the emerging innovations and useful options available to everyday homes.