Wireless sensors can be used in many applications, including HVAC systems, motors and driven equipment, lighting systems and steam traps. They do not save energy on their own, but are a technology that can help enable energy monitoring and energy saving strategies. Potential energy savings depend on end use and the presence and use of conventional sensors and controls. Sensor applications for buildings might involve additional points for temperature or humidity monitoring. Temporary sensors might assist in building commissioning or when balancing HVAC systems. Sensors are only useful when they are calibrated and located to provide information that is useful – and used. Sensor points should be selected so they provide information needed for control optimization. Sensors should be tied into an existing motor management, building energy management system, or automation system to maximize energy savings.  

Wireless sensors can also be used to immediately detect failed steam traps. Steam blowing through failed traps wastes energy, and these losses can continue for long durations when traps are only tested annually. Wireless sensors are ideal for traps that are in hard-to-reach, unsafe or confined spaces. 

Wireless sensors can continually monitor current, vibration, sound and temperature in real-time. A motor’s heat signature can tell much about its operating condition. Current research involves developing compact power supplies that harvest energy from the motor’s magnetic field, improving signal resolution, and developing algorithms for motor fault diagnosis. Wireless motor sensors do not produce energy savings, but can help reduce downtime and increase plant productivity. They are used by plant predictive maintenance staff to provide "just-in-time" motor repair or replacement and may negate the need for maintenance staff to periodically test motors with a motor analyzer.