How to Troubleshoot an NSP Power Monitor for an Air Conditioner

Replace the batteries in the sensor if the power monitor is blinking or is showing a flashing battery icon. Note that lithium batteries tend to work better in power monitors because lithium batteries respond to variants in temperature better than alkaline batteries.

Turn the air conditioner power switch to “On” and set the thermostat to “Cool” or “Auto” with the temperature set at least 5 degrees below the air temperature, if the power monitor is not tracking electrical usage from the air conditioner. Note that the power monitor may still record low levels of power even when the air conditioner is not turned on if the unit is plugged into an electrical outlet.

Find the residential electric meter, usually located on the exterior of the home, and write down the “Power Factor” listed on the meter label if you're unsure of your meter’s power factor. The factor is written as two letters followed by a number. For example, the power factor may be listed as Kh1.0 or Kt7.2. Try testing the power meter on a toaster or microwave if the power monitor values still seem incorrect even after entering the power factor. If the value on the display is off by at least a factor of two, check the power factor on the electric meter again to make sure the number was recorded correctly.

Press the “Reset” button on the power monitor if the unit does not light up after entering the meter information into the display. Make sure the battery lid -- usually found on the back of the monitor -- is fully closed.

Keep the power monitor within 2 to 10 feet of the meter sensor if the display on the power monitor flashes an error such as “ID” or does not track the air conditioner power as expected.