It has been constant for 8+ years without any real increase in use. I had 2 rooms added, although they are not used at all (no power usage or items plugged in). I had my main electrical lines updated to allow more wattage for the house, but haven't changed consumption.
My usage in 2.5x's the previous year, every month, as well as obviously the bills.
2006-11-10 00:15:47 · 9 answers · asked by gect3 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
There are only three things it could be:
1. You are using more electricity.
2. The meter is giving erroneous readings.
3. The power company made a billing mistake.
First, confirm that your meter is showing numbers that compare correctly to the bills you've received. There are different kinds of power meters, so you'll have to figure out yours. If the bills and your meter differ only by your most recent usage, then you are using more electricity somewhere.
Locate the circuit breakers that feed the new rooms. Have someone switch them off and on as you watch the power meter. Do you see a change in the meter's activity when the breakers are off? That's a good clue.
If there is no difference in activity from switching the breakers on/off, then there is something else in the house that is suddenly drawing more power. Is the refrigerator closing properly? Are you running the dishwasher more often? Do you have an electric water heater that is running more than it used to? (Is your hot water the same temperature or is it hotter?) Do you have electric heat? If so, check your windows to be sure they are closed and locked.
If none of this helps, then have each breaker in the house switched off, one by one, as you watch the power meter. Keep track of any that make a noticable difference in the activity of the power meter. Figure out what's on those breakers and see if you can isolate what is consuming power.
Good luck!
2006-11-10 00:39:19 · answer #1 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I take it the increase is continuing and that it was not simply an increase during construction. I also gather that it is an actual kilowatt hour increase and just not a dollar increase so here come some thoughts.
Have you been running the air conditioning more? Did you add electric heat or an electric hot water heater? Are any appliances, computers or entertainment units running more? If someone is home more than they used to be, that could increase consumption. Are lights being left on, including night lights. Did you add video surveillance or yard lighting? Finally, check the new wiring to see if there is a line going from the meter to somewhere outside the house. Hopefully, you had an honest contractor and he didn't wire the neighbour's trailer into your power.
2006-11-10 00:26:32 · answer #2 · answered by St N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ideas I would check (1) close the vents and doors to the rooms you are not using (2) make sure no one has tapped into your lines and is using your electricity (this is although not common, a possibility sometimes used to steal electricity) (3) have the electrical company check for faulty meter box (4) is there a leak between the old and the new that would cause your consumption to go up to keep your house at your predetermined temperture.
2006-11-10 01:01:08 · answer #3 · answered by bettyswestbrook 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to figure out the problem is to contact your utility Co. They can install @ no charge(normally) a amp meter to check the calibration of you meter. This will give you a exact reading of your usage. Also make sure your meter was not installed upside down after construction. If so, it may have been corrected by the utility co and they are estimating your previous usage.
2006-11-12 01:51:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the extent of the change out. Is there an up grade involved. Hire a Liscensed and Insured, Electrician to do this job for you. You do not want to trust your home,and your family safety to some, Do it yourself Hack!! A liscensed Electrician will Have the job Inspected. and if the electric needs to be cut loose from the house it will be no problem. The Electrician will work everything out with the power company.
2016-03-28 01:17:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
listen up ALL of you! my normal bill alsohas doubled in the last year...why? they keep raising the rates! The only way to compare is to check your monthy KW usage..vs past bills(I save all mine) I bet tho your electrical went sky high in the last year in cost per KW hr...
2006-11-10 09:17:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well sounds like your electric guy didnt split the busy lines going into your breakerbox. you might be best to have a new breakerbox installed by an older electriction who knows how to split the lines.
2006-11-10 00:30:44 · answer #7 · answered by swashbuckler82 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your electric company and have them check your meter.
2006-11-10 01:33:33 · answer #8 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
did they add baseboard heaters if so they may be wired wrong did they upgrade meter base and breaker box as well
2006-11-10 14:40:55 · answer #9 · answered by jdebord1976 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋