Your gas meter is outside of your house.It tells you how much natural gas your house uses.If you know how to read your gas meter, you can make sure the gas company charges you the right amount of gas.Once you know how the meter works, it is easy to read.
Step 1: There is a number in a 4- to 5- digit reading on each dial.
The top of the analog meter should have a row of four or five dials.They have a 4- or 5- digit reading.The first dial is the first digit in the reading.Your analog gas meter may have more than one dial.The number of dials depends on the type of meter used by your gas company and when it was manufactured.The next-higher dial goes up one point when a smaller dial makes a revolution.The dial rotates in the opposite direction of the one next to them.The first and third dial might turn counter clockwise, while the second and fourth dial turn clockwise.
Step 2: The dial should be read left to right.
The number is represented by 1 digit on each dial.The first, second, hundreds, tens, and fourth dial are the ones.Your reading will go up into the tens of thousands if there is a fifth dial.
Step 3: Take your reading by looking at the needle of each dial.
When the needle is between numbers, always choose the smaller of the two numbers.As the dial below makes its revolution, the needle will slowly move to the next number.The dial still represents the smaller number until the next highest digit.If the needle is pointing between 4 and 5, you would write down 4.Even if the needle is close to the 5, this is still true.Since it comes before 0 on the dial, you would choose 9 even if the needle is pointing between 0 and 9.
Step 4: Don't leave a gap between them by writing the numbers side by side.
There is no need to separate the numbers because each dial has a single digit.Think of it as a single reading, not a series of readings.The first dial reads 5, the second reads 2, third reads 7 and the fourth reads 4.You would get a reading of 5272.
Step 5: Check the dial to the right to read a needle hovering over a number.
The dial to its left will be hovering over a number when it is completing or beginning a revolution.You can see a needle pointing at the number 3.You shouldn't use the number until the dial to its right has completed its revolution.The revolution is complete if the dial to the right has passed 0.The number the needle is hovering over should be used if the dial to its right has passed 0.If it hasn't passed, use the smaller number.The needle on the dial can be seen hovering over the number 3.To see if it passed, look at the dial to the right.If it did, use the 3.If not, use 2.
Step 6: When comparing, ask your gas company how they measure the last dial.
The smallest digit in the last dial may be read differently by the gas company.They may round this digit up to the next highest number, or they may use the number the needle is closest to.It is important to know how they take a reading if you want to estimate your bill.You can either call or check their website.If you are comfortable waiting until you get your next bill, you can compare your reading to theirs to see if it is the same or not.
Step 7: Don't use the extra dial on the meter.
The gas company uses extra dials on some meters to check for accuracy.You can ignore them because they have nothing to do with your actual reading.The main dials are the same size and are neatly lined up.The extra dials will be smaller or larger than the ones used for taking a reading.
Step 8: The meter should be for gas usage.
Electric meters are more likely to be analog than gas meters.Before you take your reading, make sure that the meter is attached to your gas line.Before taking a reading, it is helpful to locate both meters.
Step 9: Determine if the reading is imperial or metrical.
If you live in the United States, your meter will be in imperial units.If you live in an area that uses the metric system, you will likely see metric units.If you have an imperial meter, you should have your display panel next to it.It will probably have a panel with 4 digits and 2 decimal points.If you have a metrical meter, you should see the square meter.The meter is likely to have 5 digits and 3 decimal points.
Step 10: The reading can be seen on a digital screen.
Digital meters give you an exact reading and are very easy to use.The only thing you have to do is look at the screen.You can see a few 0s in front of the reading, but it should be a 4- or 5-digit number.Don't pay attention to the 0s.Your usage is represented by the number on the screen.There is no need for anything else.
Step 11: The number should be written down from left to right.
This is how much gas you use right now.To determine how much gas you have used, you need to compare it to past readings.You can compare this reading to the one taken by the gas company on your bill.They would both be written as 3785.
Step 12: Ignore the extra numbers.
If your meter has decimal points, you don't need to include them in your reading.You don't need to pay attention to red control numbers.You can only focus on the reading on your screen.For example, 3785.28 would be 3782.
Step 13: You should check your gas meter at the same time each month.
This is the only way to read.The gas company takes 1 reading a month.You need to do the same thing to estimate your usage.It's a good idea to look at your gas bill to see when the gas company checks your meter.You will get the most accurate reading if you check it on the same day.On the 1st, you might check your meter.
Step 14: For at least 2 monthly cycles, track your gas meter reading.
It won't let you calculate your usage with a single reading.The gas company does not reset the meter every month.You need to know your reading from last month to calculate usage.You can get your previous month's reading from a copy of your bill.You can compare your reading to the company's reading.
Step 15: To get your usage, subtract last month's reading from this month.
The biggest number should be subtracted from the smallest number.If you want to subtract it by hand, use a calculator.This will show you how much gas you used.The gas company will only charge you for the gas you use if you compare this number to your bill.It can vary depending on when you took the measurement.