HOME ENERGY TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Understanding your power usage

INTRODUCTION

This guide is designed to help Ozark Electric Cooperative members identify the sources of high power usage in their homes. By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of your energy consumption and potentially lower your electricity bill. 

REQUIRED TOOLS 

  • A small magnet 
  • Access to your electric meter and breaker panel 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS

WARNING: Working with electricity can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable performing any of these steps, please contact a qualified electrician or Ozark Electric Cooperative for assistance. 

  • Never touch exposed wires or open your meter base. 
  • Only use your breaker panel—never remove its cover or work inside. 
  • Make sure hands are dry and you’re standing on a dry surface when handling breakers. 
  • If a circuit breaker trips repeatedly, do not reset it multiple times—call a licensed electrician. 
  • Keep children away from breaker panels and all electrical equipment.

STEP 1: VIEW INSTANTANEOUS POWER USE

Your electric meter measures the amount of electricity you use. It's typically located outside your home. Your digital meter can display your real-time energy use in kilowatts (kW).


How to check:

  1. Swipe a magnet over the meter’s sensor port (over top of the meter)
  2. Look for the screen to change to show “ikW.”
  3. This number updates every few seconds to show how much power your home is using right now.
  4. Record the value shown on the ikW screen.

STEP 2: INVESTIGATING INDIVIDUAL APPLIANCES

  1. With the ikW screen active, turn on/off one appliance at a time (e.g., space heater, oven, dryer).
  2. Watch the ikW reading for an increase—this shows how much that device is drawing.
  3. Turn the appliance off again and repeat with others.
  4. Use this to identify inefficient or unexpected power hogs.


📎Tip: Devices with heating elements or motors typically use the most power (e.g., water heaters, HVAC, dryers, ovens).


Appliances & systems to check: 

  • Heating Source
  • Cooling Source
  • Electric Water Heater
  • Well Pump
  • Well House Heat Source
  • Pool/Hot Tub
  • Oven
  • Dryer
  • Space Heater
  • Stock Tank Heater
  • Trickle Charger
  • Engine Block Heater
  • Dehumidifier
  • Other

STEP 3: ISOLATING HIGH-USE CIRCUITS

Once you’ve explored usage by appliance, you can narrow down additional usage by breaker. 

  1. With the iKW screen active, go to your breaker panel.
  2. Turn off one breaker at a time.
  3. Watch the meter after each breaker to see how the iKW reading changes.
  4. Write down each drop to identify which circuits use the most energy.
  5. Turn breakers back on after testing.

STEP 4: INTERPRETING THE RESULTS

Compare the usage of different appliances and circuits. Look for appliances that are consuming more power than expected. Consider the age and efficiency of your appliances. Older appliances often consume more energy than newer, more efficient models.

Common culprits:

  • Inefficient air conditioners and heaters
  • Electric water heaters
  • Malfunctioning well pump (if applicable)
  • Incandescent lighting
  • Electronics left on standby

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

  • Replace old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star certified models.
  • Use LED lighting instead of incandescent bulbs.
  • Unplug electronics when not in use.
  • Adjust your thermostat to reduce heating and cooling costs.
  • Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
  • Consider a home energy audit to identify areas for improvement.

NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE?

If you are still experiencing high power usage after following these steps, please contact Ozark Electric Cooperative for assistance. Ozark Electric Cooperative can provide additional guidance and may be able to offer a professional energy audit.

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