Here is a thing to try. Have someone watch the meter & then turn off everything. Unplug every thing. If the meter doesnt stop you know you have a thief somewhere. $400 for that size unit just isnt right. As someone mentioned a programable thermastat will help. Set it high during the day when your both working & have it kick in about an hour before you get home. That will certainly help. Good luck & let us know what the electric company says.