Device detection in your home happens over time, with new devices being identified periodically. Since Sense learns different devices in every home, keep an eye out for notifications that Sense found a new device, then work with the Sense Home app to properly name each device. This collaboration is important because you are the expert on what's running in your home.
The Devices Tab on the Sense Home app
Step 1: Complete Your Device Survey
When you first set up your Sense account, you'll be invited to complete a survey about major devices in your home. It only takes a few minutes, and it's important to complete it as soon as possible.
- Your survey responses help Sense estimate energy usage for key appliances even before they’ve been detected in real time.
- Items on the list break into two categories: Historical Estimates and Real Time Detections
Step 2: Historical Device Estimates
Before Sense fully detects a device in real time, it may generate historical estimates or general information about at least some of the devices on your survey response. This helps you start to understand how much energy your device likely uses, even before the Sense system can learn its patterns within the traffic of your home's energy use.
Where to Find These Estimates
- Notifications: If enabled, you’ll get alerts when historical estimates are available.
- Dashboard (Usage Feature): These devices will appear in week, month, bill, and year views.
- Devices List: Devices with historical estimates will have blue icons, like those devices that have been "found," but their details are limited until real-time detection occurs.
Key Insights on Historical Estimates
- Not visible in real time: These devices won’t yet appear on the Now screen or timeline.
- Calculated overnight: Today’s usage will still be counted under "Other" until the next day.
- Grouped devices: If you have multiple units of the same device, Sense will display them as a group (e.g., “Fridges: 2 units”).
💡 Tip: Want to check a device’s energy use before it’s detected? Try Watt Check for insights.
Step 3: Real-Time Detection
Once Sense confidently identifies a device, you’ll start seeing real-time activity in the app.
Where to Find Real-Time Detected Devices
✔ Now Screen: The device will appear as a bubble when it’s on.
✔ Timeline: Tracks on/off events (customizable in settings).
✔ Dashboard: Shows hourly energy use and total home usage.
✔ Devices List:
- Additional settings (location, make/model, notifications)
- Detailed power meter view for the device
- Option to set goals and track energy use
Why Some Devices Take Longer to Detect
Device detection is an ongoing process that continues indefinitely. Some devices are easier to detect than others:
- Frequent cycling devices (fridge, dryer, water heater) → detected sooner
- Low-power or variable-speed devices (TVs, gaming consoles) → may take longer
- Complex appliances with multiple components → detected in stages, requiring you to merge them into one named device
How You Can Help Improve Detection
- Confirm Sense’s device detections when they appear.
- Name and differentiate detected devices.
- Merge components into a single named device when applicable.
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As you add or replace appliances in your home, update your Devices list using the Add Device button at the bottom of your Devices list.*
- And delete a device by choosing that device from your list, then going to the Settings (the gear icon) element for that device, where you'll be offered a delete option.
- *Note: The Add Device button is not available if you are using a green Wiser monitor. See How Does Sense Support Wiser and Streamlining Your Wiser Monitor Experience for more information.
Your engagement helps improve accuracy and reporting—leading to better insights for your home’s energy savings!
For more information, consider:
🔍 How Sense Learns About Your Home's Energy Use
🔍 How To Name Or Rename A Device In Sense