Some utility companies will do an audit for you if you think there may be an error on your bill. Maybe you've been overcharged for a utility before, or maybe your consumption seems higher than usual. If you're questioning your utility bill, it's always best to get a professional audit. However, this process can be time-consuming and frustrating.

If you're not sure whether or not to go through with a utility bill audit, here are three situations that warrant investigation.

You've Recently Made Changes to Your Property

If you've made any changes to your property that would affect your utility usage, such as adding an HVAC unit or increasing the size of your home, you should get an audit. These changes can sometimes result in a change in utility rates. The utility company may not be accurately charging you for your new usage. Therefore, getting an audit will help ensure that you're not overpaying for your utilities.

On the other hand, if you've made changes that would decrease your utility usage, such as installing solar panels or becoming more energy-efficient, you may want to schedule a utility audit.

Maybe your utility company isn't giving you the correct discount for your solar panels. In this case, getting an audit would help you get the money you're rightfully owed. You may be entitled to a refund for the overcharges, especially if your utility bills don't reflect the decrease in usage.

Your Consumption Is Higher Than Usual

If you notice that your utility consumption is higher than normal without any changes to your property or usage, you should get an audit. There are several reasons why your usage may have increased, such as a change in weather or an error on your bill.

For example, if your home is heated with natural gas and you live in an area where there's a cold snap, your usage will likely increase. In this case, an audit probably isn't necessary. However, if there's no explanation for the increase in usage, you may be overpaying for your utility due to an error in your bill or a problem with your utility meter.

Getting an audit will help you determine the true cause of the increase in consumption and ensure that you're not paying more than you should. Here, the utility auditing company will investigate to see if there are any discrepancies between your actual utility usage and what you're being charged for.

They may also look at your utility meter to see if it's accurately recording your consumption. If the auditors find that you're being overcharged, they'll work with the utility company to get you a refund.

These are just a few situations that warrant an investigation. If you find yourself in one of these situations, don't hesitate to schedule an audit.