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Q:  Our utility bill shows us how much electricity we use per month, but my husband and I would like to have a more detailed sense of our use. It would be helpful to know our real daily electricity costs, not just averages. That would help us be able to budget for increased costs when, for example, our children and grandchildren visit, with their video games and other electronics that use so much energy. They also use our big, flat-screen TV much more than we do, and we know that the TV is an energy hog. Are there computer programs or metering devices that can give us facts like daily use? (Posted Aug. 1, 2008)

A:  Definitely. You can buy a whole-house energy meter that will provide a range of information, such as a real-time display of how much power is being used in the house, the cost of that power and more. This will enable you to compare household usage when equipment is unplugged and when it's in use. I do recommend unplugging rather than turning off electronics equipment for this test, because many items use electricity even when they're off.

To install some whole-house meters, you'll need to hire an electrician. Others are designed so that you can attach them to a house's utility meter yourself. Whole-house meters aren't currently available in Vermont stores, but you can find them online. Good luck with this information-gathering project. My hat's off to you; the more we know about our energy usage, the more control we can have over our own bills.

Have a question about energy use in your home? Ask the Home Team! Contact Li Ling, Bob and Kathleen or call toll-free: 888-921-5990 to speak with a customer service representative.