Monitoring energy usage without a smart meter

Benny2020

I have some 150w bulbs in a cupboard if someone wants to buy them.

[Deleted User]

Ultrasonic said:

Would getting smart meters fitted be an option, rather than paying for something else?

Imlay said:

I have phoned my energy provider to request a smart meter to be told that they are not installing them at the minute.  Does anyone have an suggestions about how I can monitor our electricity usage to discover ways to save money.

Hi,

OP has already tried.

gefnew

Should be 150watt lamps, as they fit in the lamp holder. Bulbs go in the ground and grow.

FreeBear

Benny2020 said: I have some 150w bulbs in a cupboard if someone wants to buy them.

Photocrescenta with an E27 base - I'll take the lot.

theoretica

You don't need a smart meter to record readings several times a day and note what went on in the house between them (overnight, showers, washing machine, out all day...). 

jbuchanangb

Since you asked I use an OWL monitor of the clip on variety. The sensor is in the meter box accessible for outside the building. It is battery operated, as it would be difficult to feed mains power to that location (ironic since it is right next to the meter). The display is in my office upstairs some distance away. It is good enough for me. I can tell when the oven is on, or a kettle is boiling or any other heavy use is happening.

Can turn an appliance on, and see quickly the jump up from the background reading to the new level caused by the appliance. Does the job for me.

Flight3287462

First thing to go should be the tumble drier especially in the summer months, get a washing line up and a pulley and let the clothes air dry. 

And as said above check all your bulbs are LED.

Grey_Critic

Not forgetting that electrical items on standby - the phone charger left plugged in without the phone attached - TVs on standby - every little helps push up the bills

Ultrasonic

Grey_Critic said:

TVs on standby - every little helps push up the bills

Bear in mind that if it's a modern OLED then it can actually be bad for the TV to switch it fully off regularly, since it could stop maintenance cycles running which prevent image burn-in becoming an issue. Such TVs use less than 0.5 W in standby too.