Sense helps you understand how much your home’s energy use is costing and, over time, what’s using energy. This process starts automatically once your system is fully set up, but device detection takes time as Sense learns to distinguish unique electrical patterns in your home. Sense probably won’t be able to learn every device in your home, but its ability to report on usage gives you valuable insight from the first day.
How Device Detection Works
Sense needs to "see" a device run multiple times in the same manner before it can recognize, verify, and label its electrical signature.
Sense continuously analyzes electrical magnitude, phase, and frequency changes, applying machine learning algorithms to identify patterns. Some complex appliances may be detected in parts, so you’ll want to merge these detailed detections in the app.
Detection is ongoing, so while some devices—like refrigerators, dryers, and water heaters—may appear within days or weeks, others—like TVs and gaming consoles—take longer. Some devices, like lights, leave very small signatures, and Sense provides the Watt Check tool to help you investigate immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do Anything to Speed Up Detection?
Yes! Here’s what helps:
✅ Answer home and appliance setup questions (found in the Dashboard or Devices tab).
✅ Manage your device list as new devices appear—verify and name each device when Sense tells you it has found a new one. User feedback improves detection over time.
✅ Enable networked device detection (if supported in your home). Consider using smart plugs to monitor the devices you are most interested in tracking.
Coming soon: You’ll also be able to add new devices directly from the Devices tab as your home setup changes.
Why Hasn’t Sense Detected Everything?
100% detection isn’t always possible due to differences in power quality, device usage, and home setup. However, Sense is always learning, and detection improves over time as:
- More homes use Sense
- Users provide feedback by renaming detected devices
- New detection models are developed and refined
Once your Sense system is set up, data collection begins immediately, and machine learning algorithms start analyzing your home’s unique energy patterns. Over time, Sense will suggest device identifications and ask for your help in naming and tracking them.
Sense detection gets better with time, so keep an eye on your Devices list for new discoveries!
Want to Learn More?
🔍 How Does Sense Detect My Devices?