What is a heatmap?

A heatmap allows you to visualise your energy consumption over a period of time, understanding out of hour and high/unnecessary energy consumption.

Each coloured block represents the energy consumed in half an hour and how much it costs. Each column represents a different day of the month and time of day on the right.

The colour intensity indicates the level of consumption (kWh) during each half-hour period, with darker red shades representing higher consumption levels.

Email bryan@energyvolunteers.org with any questions.

Heatmaps can be an effective tool for identifying various areas of excess energy consumption using data from a main incoming meter.

Our EnergyMapper heatmaps could help you identify issues with:

• Baseline Consumption: Identifying and analysing baseline energy consumption during non-operational hours to spot unexpected energy use.

• Peak Demand Periods: Detecting periods of peak energy demand, which can indicate times when energy usage is unusually high and potentially avoidable.

• Seasonal Variations: Observing seasonal variations in energy use, helping to identify inefficiencies related to heating, cooling, or other seasonal factors.

• Weekend and Holiday Usage: Monitoring energy consumption during weekends and holidays when the facility should have minimal or no usage.

• HVAC Systems: Identifying if heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are running excessively or at times when they should be off or running at lower capacities.

• Lighting Systems: Detecting if lighting is left on during daylight hours or when buildings are not in use.

• Operational Hours: Comparing energy consumption patterns to operational hours to ensure that energy use aligns with activity levels in the facility.

• Standby Power: Identifying equipment or systems that draw significant standby power when not actively in use.

• Equipment Scheduling: Checking if equipment is operating outside of scheduled times, such as machinery or computers running overnight or on weekends.

• Inefficient Equipment: Spotting trends that indicate certain pieces of equipment are using more energy than expected, which could signal the need for maintenance or replacement.

• Unexpected Spikes: Monitoring for unexpected spikes in energy usage that could indicate faults or leaks in the system.

• Energy Wastage from Overcooling or Overheating: Identifying areas where overcooling or overheating is occurring, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.

By analysing heatmaps of the main incoming meter, charities can gain a comprehensive understanding of their energy usage patterns and identify specific areas where they can implement changes to reduce excess consumption and improve overall efficiency. 

How do I use EnergyMapper?

• Send us a month of half-hourly energy data (we won't share it with anyone else). We analyse the data and send you the heatmap with comments to help you save money.

Where do I get my half-hourly data?

• To get your half-hourly data, you need a smart meter installed. If you have one, log in to your supplier site (gas or electric), search for terms like historic data, smart meter data or half-hourly data. Set your timeframe (preferably the last month or) and download as a CSV. Upload this file below using our upload form.

• You could also ask your accountant or finance person to help source the data.

What else do you need?

• Enter your other details below and we will get to work. Please note, your data will not be shared with brokers or third parties.

Email bryan@energyvolunteers.org with any questions.