Unexpected spikes in energy use often lead to higher bills. In many cases, the cause is equipment running nonstop without your knowledge. SmartHub, our account and energy management app, can help identify these hidden loads quickly.
We recently helped a member uncover a major energy issue that had been worsening for months using SmartHub.
What stood out:
- Energy use stayed high 24/7
- No connection to outdoor temps
That’s a red flag for something running nonstop.
How we confirmed it:
Based on a few questions and a review of the home’s energy load profile, we suspected a well pump. We asked the member to turn the breaker off for about 20 minutes on April 3rd (SmartHub is not real-time). When reviewing the usage the next day, usage dropped sharply. When the breaker was turned back on, usage spiked again.
What we found next:
The member contacted a well company. Although lightning was initially suspected, the real issue was a water line leak that was getting worse and causing the pump to run more.
Why this matters:
Continuous loads are one of the most common causes of unexpectedly high energy bills. Well pumps, sump pumps, water heaters, or malfunctioning HVAC equipment can run constantly without obvious signs inside the home.
By reviewing SmartHub usage patterns, you can often catch problems before they become more costly.
What to check in SmartHub:
- Same usage day and night
- No drop when temperatures change
- Sudden drops when equipment is turned off
If your usage looks like this graph, don’t ignore it. You may be paying for something you don’t need.
SmartHub isn’t just a tracker. It’s a valuable tool that can be used for catching problems early and avoiding high bills.
Take control of your energy use today! Download SmartHub from the Apple App Store or Google Play Marketplace, and start tracking your usage now.
Learn more about all the benefits of SmartHub.