Why is my hot water heater is using too much power?
I have a vacant rental property that I kept two energy efficient light bulbs burning and a radio. I got a bill for $350 the next month! I then tracked down the culprit to my water heater, which is only about 2 years old. It is kept in an unfinished basement, but that alone shouldn't be causing that much power usage. I checked the thermostat settings and tested the elements for continuity and they both seem fine. What am I missing?
Water Heaters
Answers & Comments
Hello Keith, This is just a guess. Are there any outside electrical receptacles that someone could be plugged into when you aren't around? Try turning the breakers off to the water heater for one month and see if your electric bill goes back to normal. Lastly, I have seen where an old style electric meter with a power demand needle has gone bad and shown a maximum power demand that would cause the rates to be much more costly per unit than normal. Mine did that and I found out it had been hit by lightning. The power company replaced the meter and adjusted the bill accordingly.
It almost sounds as if someone is hooked into your electrical system check for outside cables or extensions cords going into a window or even at the fuse box