[pearl1ben]

In the past year we have replaced our 25 yr old geothermal heat pump with a new energy effecient one, installed energy effecient freezer, washer, dryer, refrig, energy effecient bulbs and installed an on demand elec water heater. OUR KW HOURS HAVE GONE UP BY 1/3.
called the power company and they say that they reread our meter and it is correct. ny ideA ON WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS?:furious:

 

[InPhase277]

Those on demand water heaters can be a real power hog. Maybe you are taking longer showers because you have unlimited hot water? Go take a look at your meter while the hot water is running and see how fast the meter is spinning.

 

[Gigs]

The geothermal heat pump might have been considerably more efficient than a standard air-air heat pump... are you still using the geothermal loop?

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Do you have a well pump?

 

[pearl1ben]

Do you have a well pump?

No. The only exterior electrical usage is a 240 volt 60 amp spa which has been in use for 5 years.
On second thought there is a well pump that supplies the geothermal heat pump.

 

[pearl1ben]

The geothermal heat pump might have been considerably more efficient than a standard air-air heat pump... are you still using the geothermal loop?

Not using a loop. The heat pump is a much newer version of the original heat pump.

 

[kbsparky]

Have you installed a plasma TV? Those are energy hogs ....:furious:

 

[pearl1ben]

Have you installed a plasma TV? Those are energy hogs ....:furious:

Yes, we have put in a 50" and 30" plasma tv.

 

[Gigs]

50 inch is about 500 watts. Do you run them all the time?

 

[pearl1ben]

50 inch is about 500 watts. Do you run them all the time?

The 50" runs about 9 hrs a day and the 30" about 4 hrs.

 

[J. V.]

I would put my money on the water heater. How many double pole breakers did you have to install. Whole house demand WH's do not save any money. You have to add the cost of installation too, and you haven't even done that yet. IMO they cost more to run and recouping the installation cost may never be realized. I would cut the temp setting down as low as possible and use the least amount of hot water as you can. Tells us the KW of the WH. That would be an a good indicator.

 

[Gigs]

The 50" runs about 9 hrs a day and the 30" about 4 hrs.

That's not enough to explain a 1/3 increase in whole house usage, but that is a good 5khw per day or so... lets say $15 per month or so.

Change from plasma to LCD and you'll save a lot of money in the long run.