Introduction
Are you experiencing issues with your in-home display (IHD) for your smart meter? This guide will help you understand common problems and how to troubleshoot them effectively. With the right information, you can ensure your IHD is working correctly and helping you manage your energy consumption. If you need further assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you navigate any legal questions related to your energy supply. Contend is the easiest legal help in the UK, making it simple for you to get the support you need.
If you have a smart meter, you might also have an in-home display (IHD). This handy device gives you real-time information about your energy use, helping you keep track of your electricity and gas consumption. However, sometimes the IHD can run into issues. Here’s a simple guide to help you troubleshoot common problems with your IHD.
What is an In-Home Display (IHD)?
An IHD is a small screen that shows how much energy you’re using at any given time. It’s different from the smart meter itself, which is usually installed in a fixed location, like a cupboard. Your IHD is portable and can be moved around your home.
Getting Help from Your Supplier
If you received your IHD from your energy supplier less than a year ago, they should be able to assist you with any issues. They may offer to repair or replace it if it’s not working properly. If they refuse to help, don’t hesitate to file a complaint with them.
Common Issues with Your IHD
Here are some common problems you might encounter with your IHD and how to fix them:
1. IHD Not Showing Usage or Balance
If your IHD suddenly stops displaying your energy usage or prepayment balance, wait about an hour to see if it reconnects. If it doesn’t, it might be having trouble communicating with your smart meters.
Try moving your IHD closer to your smart meters, ensuring there are as few walls as possible between them. If you have both gas and electricity meters, position the IHD closer to the electricity meter. You may also want to plug your IHD into a different outlet and allow it to restart.
After moving it, give it up to 24 hours to reconnect. You can verify the connection by comparing the readings on your IHD with those on your smart meters. If they don’t match, check out guides on how to read your smart electricity and gas meters.
2. IHD Still Not Connecting After 24 Hours
If your IHD hasn’t connected after a day, contact your energy supplier. They may need to reset the communication hub, which is something you typically can’t do yourself.
If they can’t resolve the issue, it might be because your smart meters have stopped working in smart mode. This could happen if you switched suppliers or if your previous supplier has gone out of business. You can check if your meter is working in smart mode for more information.
3. IHD Won’t Turn On or the Screen is Blank
If your IHD won’t turn on, first check if it’s plugged in or if the batteries are working. Ensure it’s switched on if there’s a power button. If it still doesn’t work, you can check your energy usage through your online account or app, or reach out to your supplier for assistance.
4. IHD Readings Don’t Match Smart Meters
It’s normal for the readings on your IHD to update slightly later than those on your smart meters. If your supplier requests meter readings, always take them directly from your smart meters.
5. IHD Malfunctions After Switching Suppliers
Sometimes, an IHD may not function correctly after switching energy suppliers. If you notice changes in its performance, contact your new supplier if it’s been over 48 hours. They should be able to resolve any issues.
Checking if Your IHD is Working Properly
To ensure your IHD is functioning correctly, compare the tariff information displayed on it with your latest bill or contract. Check that the meter readings on your IHD align closely with those on your smart meters.
If you continue to experience problems and your supplier can’t help, it may be due to older smart meters that are no longer operating in smart mode. You can verify this by checking your meter’s smart mode status.
Conclusion
Your in-home display is a valuable tool for managing your energy consumption. If you encounter issues, follow these troubleshooting steps and don’t hesitate to reach out to your supplier for help. For further assistance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat, where highly trained AI legal experts can provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Keeping track of your energy use can lead to savings and a more efficient home.
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