Meters

Reading your energy meters is a good way to become familiar with how much energy your home uses. For example, when trying to decide between two energy alternatives -- like "should I close the windows and run the air conditioner round-the-clock or open the house at night and air condition only during the hottest portion of the day?" -- reading your electric meter can provide the answer.

Begin the experiment by reading your meter and trying it one way for a few days, and reading the meter again. Then, try it the other way for the same time period, and read the meter again. If most other variables during the time periods were the same, like weather and use of the home, you should have the answer to which is the most economical. If you do not know how to read your meter, take a few moments to review "Reading Your Electric Meter and Reading Your Gas Meter" and begin taking control of your energy use.

And Furthermore . . .