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Author:
yonson (SC)
Our place in a shore area which is un-occupied in the winter has just a couple of electric baseboards set to low. We leave the electric water heater on. The fridge,and all other items in the kitchen are unplugged. Our electric bill is usually about $85. This month our electric bill came in at $210. Something is wrong. It has been about the same temp as the last couple of winters in the area - in fact it has been a few degrees, on average, warmer this winter than last year.
My question is --- can their be something going on with the electric water heater element? The water gets hot as usual, but can their be a need for the heating element to be changed or something?
Many thanks in advance folks!
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Author:
North Carolina Plumber (NC)
It will likely take someone onsite to properly diagnose the problem. I'd check for a hot water leak, cold water leak if you're on a private well , check the amp draw on some appliances, etc.
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Author:
m & m (MD)
Poachers, perhaps? Before anything else, why not have a conversation with your power supplier giving them the same information as above. On the rare occassion, they sometimes admit the problem to be theirs.
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Author:
Paul48 (CT)
Yeah.....Better see if there's a motorhome parked next door.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
That would often be a sign of a broken hot wate line causing the heater to run continually. There is nothing an element could do to raise your bill otherwise, unless your water were scalding hot.
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Author:
Wheelchair (IL)
Could be some cold weather or a faulty meter. Consider doing a daily reading to determine the daily usage. Do daily readings on your water meter as well. Its timely, but you will get your answer quicker.
Best Wishes
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Author:
srloren (CA)
Your Utility Company could have a wild hair in their_ss and raised your rates. They are doing that here in California...._astards!
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Author:
mijclarke (IL)
Our electric rates in NW Chicago suburbs almost doubled a couple months ago
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Author:
ev607797 (NC)
A failed element in the water heater can be allowing electricity to leak to ground, despite the fact that it appears to be providing sufficient hot water. I'd check both elements with a continuity tester from each terminal to ground. If you get any kind of a reading, then the element is shot and requires replacement.
---Ed---
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Author:
hj (AZ)
That would still cause the water to overheat and trip the ECO high limit. If the water is heating, it HAS to go somewhere otherwise the water would be super hot.
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