Guide 08 / 10
A one-sheet home electricity audit
Build a small record you can improve over time instead of guessing which device caused a bill.
Record checkable inputs
Start with device name, quantity, watts from a label or meter, active hours per day, days used, and where each number came from. Mark figures that are still guesses. You do not need to list every outlet on day one; start with devices used frequently or for long periods.
Separate estimate types
For steady loads, calculate watts × hours × days ÷ 1,000. For variable loads, prefer label kWh or a meter reading when available. For standby, record standby hours separately from active hours. Add device estimates only when their periods match.
Compare with the main meter
Your sum can differ from the main meter because you missed loads, label ratings differ from real draw, or dates do not match. The gap is a prompt to improve your record, not proof of a billing error. Keep dates so your comparison can be repeated.