Usage Data

What is Usage?

Usage is a feature in the Homely app that gives you a clearer picture of how your heat pump is performing. It shows you estimated data on your energy use and the environmental impact your system is having. 

We’ve added this data in the app because it's one of the things Homely homeowners told us they wanted most. Before we launched it, we invited Homely homeowners to tell us which data points mattered to them most - and what you see in the app today is based on that research..

This is currently a beta feature, which means we're still refining it. Your feedback helps us make it better, so if you have thoughts on what's working or what you'd like to see, we'd love to hear them via this survey.

How do I find my usage data in the app?

You can get to your data via the bottom navigation bar of the Homely app - just tap the Usage icon to get started.

From there you can switch between Yesterday and Last 7 days to see how your system has been performing over different time periods. 

If you can't see the Usage icon in your app, make sure you're running the latest version. 

 

Why are my values estimated?

All the usage figures are estimates, based on data reported by your heat pump. Heat pumps calculate their own performance data using internal sensors, which means the figures can vary in accuracy - some values may be off by up to 15%.

This doesn't mean the data isn't useful - think of it as a helpful guide to how your system is performing rather than a precise measurement. It's great for spotting trends and getting a general feel for your energy use and costs, but we'd recommend not reading too much into the exact figures.

Why can't I see my usage in the app?

If you can't see the Usage icon in the bottom navigation bar of your app, it's likely you're not running the latest version of Homely. Updating your app should bring it straight through.

If you can see your usage data but can't see any cost figures, this is because cost data is only available to Smart+ subscribers. If you're on Smart+, check that your energy tariff details are up to date in your Homely account - without this we're not able to calculate costs for you.

If you have the Usage icon but can't see any data at all, it may be that your heat pump doesn't currently share the data we need to calculate your usage figures. This is a limitation of how certain heat pumps report their data, rather than anything wrong with your system or your Homely setup - your heat pump is still being managed by Homely as normal. Unfortunately this isn't something we're always able to get around.

What is CoP and what does it mean?

CoP stands for Coefficient of Performance. It's a measure of how efficiently your heat pump is turning electricity into heat - the higher the number, the more heat you're getting per unit of energy used.

A CoP of 3, for example, means your heat pump is generating three units of heat for every one unit of electricity it uses.

It's worth knowing that CoP naturally fluctuates depending on conditions like outdoor temperature, how much heating your home needs, and your usage patterns - so don't worry if you see it changing over time. This is completely normal.

One other thing to bear in mind: if you're using Smart+ with a Time of Use tariff, you may notice a lower CoP than you'd expect. That's because Homely finds the cheapest times to heat your home - which can mean using more energy overall, but paying less for it.

What are carbon savings and how are they calculated?

Your carbon savings figure shows you the environmental difference your heat pump may be making. Heat pumps are a lot more efficient than traditional gas boilers, and your carbon savings reflect the reduced CO₂ emissions that come from moving to a heat pump.

We calculate this figure based on your energy consumption data and the carbon intensity of the electricity grid - in other words, how much CO₂ is produced per unit of electricity used. Because these are estimated inputs, your carbon savings figure is also an estimate, so treat it as a guide rather than a precise measurement.

It's a useful way to get a sense of the positive impact your switch to a heat pump is making - even if the exact number isn't down to the last kilogram.