Detect the thief, save energy!
The Council, in partnership with Surrey Libraries, has introduced a free loan scheme for energy monitors in the following libraries:
The monitors will help you to identify ways you can reduce your electricity usage and save money on your bills.
Residents of Guildford Borough are able to borrow the monitors for up to 3 weeks maximum on the condition that they are a full member of Surrey libraries. To find out how you can become a full member of Surrey Libraries please visit the Surrey County Council website (this page opens in a new window).
FAQ’s:
Does the energy monitor have to be professionally installed?
No, the monitor comes with an instruction manual which tells you how to install it. If in doubt please contact the climate change using the details listed below.
Does the energy monitor need batteries?
No, the monitor has been designed to run off the mains power supply. This means you can leave it on and find out how much electricity you are using.
How much does it cost to run?
Depending on your electricity supply rate about 2.5p per week.
Does it matter where I put the monitor?
No, the radio signal from the transmitter should cover a distance of 30 metres, but solid walls and obstructions can affect this. If the monitor is not picking up the signals from the transmitter you may be out of range.
Why is my display showing '0' watts (or is very low)?
A fairly easy mistake is to place the sensor jaw around either more than one cable or a multi-core cable. If you place it around both Live and Neutral, it will have a cancelling effect or possibly a very low reading that doesn't reflect the real figure.
The sensor jaw must be placed around one single mains cable - please look at the instruction manual or contact the climate change team for help.
Why do I see some dashes instead of energy (watts) occasionally?
From time to time the display unit may temporarily lose its signal, this can be caused by a number of things but it should reconnect in a matter of seconds.
How can I detect faulty electrical appliances?
Keep an eye on the monitor when different appliances are being used. Check the energy consumption against the manufacturers specification, it may differ slightly and older machines are almost certain to use more. This will give you an idea of whether or not any of your electrical appliances are faulty and if they are using more electricity than they should.
Why is the information displayed on the energy monitor different to what my electricity meter shows?
The energy monitor highlights areas of usage (and more importantly wastage) it is not intended to replace your more accurate installed meter. The energy monitor can help you find out what appliances are costing you money, whereas your meter will show you the total accumulated usage. The energy monitor receives information every six seconds, your meter continually records usage.
Why is the blue LED on sometimes (at night)?
The purpose of the blue LED is to show you a low rate tariff is in use. You may have deliberately or mistakenly set this up. If you are on a low tariff it operates as a reminder you are now using a cheaper tariff so its a good time to use high wattage items. If you are not on a low rate tariff at night (economy 7) you may want to change the settings - please refer to the instruction booklet for this.
Can you delete the data history from the energy monitor?
Yes,to do this you have to switch the monitor off at the plug whilst pressing down and holding the 2 buttons on the left hand side. Wait 10 seconds then switch the monitor back on. Release the buttons, the blue LED light should flash and the data history on the monitor should be erased.
Who should I contact if the monitor stops working?
In the first instance you should email the climate change team, please see contact details below.
For tips on how to save energy at home download the energy saving tips leaflet [PDF] (580k)
If you would like to reserve an energy monitor please contact the Climate Change Team using the details listed below.
We would like to hear your feedback about the scheme, so please contact us and tell us how you are getting on with the monitor.
Climate Change Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444509
Email: climatechange@guildford.gov.uk