Server Load Averages Up in Past Few Days

[brownafroduck]

Generally, my server load averages haven't been above 1.5, but within the past few days they have increased dramatically. Just now:

5.85, 5.80, 5.60 21 users online (15 members & 6 guests)

I have read through just about every thread that contains the words 'server load average' on vbulletin.com and vbulletin.org, but I have yet to come to any conclusion about my own site.

Within the past few days I have been modifying my board quite a bit, and I think that one of these modifications is what has increased the load averages. However, I myself don't know enough about this to judge which might be causing the problems.

Within the past few days I have installed:
- Custom User Status by Usergroup [Final]
(I suspect this if anything would increase the load averages)
- Fan Fiction Forum
(I don't think that this is what is causing the problem)
- Change Style Drop Down
(I have the second one installed where it changes the style in your options, not just temporarily)
- Thread Titles Pop-Up Descriptions
- [ReRELEASED] Upgraded Signature Editor with Preview

In addition, I have made a new style for my board, but I don't see how that would affect the server load this much...

Any point in the right direction would be great!