Gas Meter check?

Gareth56

espresso wrote: »

The white numbers are hundreds of cubic feet, therefore the red digit is displaying tens of cubic feet. Why don't you take weekly readings to check what your actual consumption is.

But how will we know if those readings are accurate? Also our consumption will vary with the degree of "coldness" at the time, we turn the thermostat on the boiler up when the temperature drops.

espresso

Gareth56 wrote: »

But how will we know if those readings are accurate? Also our consumption will vary with the degree of "coldness" at the time, we turn the thermostat on the boiler up when the temperature drops.

Why do you suspect that it is inaccurate? Simply because "the red dial seems to be revolving rather quickly"? Gas boilers are usually rated at 15 - 25 kW so do you really expect this red dial to turn slowly. Modern boilers require a 22mm gas feed to cope with the required gas flow.

Gareth56

espresso wrote: »

Why do you suspect that it is inaccurate? Simply because "the red dial seems to be revolving rather quickly"? Gas boilers are usually rated at 15 - 25 kW so do you really expect this red dial to turn slowly. Modern boilers require a 22mm gas feed to cope with the required gas flow.

You're quite right I'm [probably] worrying about nothing. I know little to nothing about gas boilers and their operation it just appears [to me] that that little pointer on the meter is going around rather fast and given that we just accept the accuracy of these pieces of apparatus it could be conceivable that consumers may be paying for gas they are not using. We just seem to take it on trust that these meters are accurate and have been calibrated correctly.

Gareth56

Gareth56 wrote: »

You're quite right I'm [probably] worrying about nothing. I know little to nothing about gas boilers and their operation it just appears [to me] that that little pointer on the meter is going around rather fast and given that we just accept the accuracy of these pieces of apparatus it could be conceivable that consumers may be paying for gas they are not using. We just seem to take it on trust that these meters are accurate and have been calibrated correctly.

But there again I may not be paranoid!!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/opensecrets/2006/05/does_my_gas_meter_tell_the_tru.html

dangermouse83

You can ask for your meter to be independantly tested via your supplier if you think it's innacurate.

However, if the test comes back and the meter is ok, you could have a bill to pay for the test!

ryancollins

i have just had a gas bill in fir £820 for 3 months with EON...does this stupidly high or is it just me.
its for a 3 bed semi house only 6 years old.i hae added a conservatory so the downstairs of the house is very open plan.. i nearly fell off my chair when it came in. i called EON and checked the reading to whhat i could see on the meter and they said it was right....could they have me on a wrong rate or something?????????????

macman

Same old questions:
Actual readings or estimates?
What is your actual kWh consumption over the billing period?
What supplier and tariff?

ryancollins

its an actual meter reading as called them and checked the readiing.
its with EON but not sure what tariff....could it be fault wiith the meter as the reading matched whhat was on the bill???????
i think i need to get them to come out and check the meter?

macman

ryancollins wrote: »

its an actual meter reading as called them and checked the readiing.
its with EON but not sure what tariff....could it be fault wiith the meter as the reading matched whhat was on the bill???????
i think i need to get them to come out and check the meter?

Yes, but are both the opening and closing readings actuals (it says on your bill, E, A or C (latter for customer))? If the earlier readings are estimates, then you may just be playing catch up (i.e. some of the bill is for units consumed more than 3m ago).
If the meter is tested and found to be OK then you will be charged for the test.
I suggest you monitor your consumption on a daily/weekly basis.
And find out what tariff you are on-without knowing that how can you possibly check if the bill is correct?
PS: you didn't give your kWh consumption for the billing period (assuming both readings are actuals).

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi ryan

Macman has already provided a lot of excellent advice, particularly about the need to check meter readings and the tariff you are on.

Certainly, £820 for gas alone over one quarter seems high, even though we have just come through the worst winter for a very long time.

If the opening and latest readings are accurate then it is likely you have used the gas. As macman asks, have previous bills used estimates? If they have, then I agree, this may well be a catch up bill.

There are a few things I would suggest. Firstly, let us know if you are struggling with this bill. Ask for a payment arrangement to spread the balance over a more manageable period of time.

Check you are on the tariff best suited to your circumstances. There are extra discounts available for managing your account online and paying with a Monthly Direct Debit.

Look at your usage over the time you have been in the property. See what your annual consumption has been in kWh and pop this on to one of the comparison sites. See if there are any better deals either with us or another supplier.

If it turns out you are actually using large amounts of gas, then I would have a look at areas where you might be able to cut back. We can help you with this.

Have a chat with our Energy Efficiency team. Give them a list of your appliances and they will be happy to see if there are any areas where you might be able to save.

Ask for a copy of a booklet called '100 ways to save money by saving energy.' It's free and contains lots of good energy saving advice.

Also, check out our website, particularly the interactive house. More good tips here.

With regards to your actual gas meter, as others have posted on this thread, they don't often go wrong. However, this is not to say they don't. Again, as macman says, take regular readings and try to form a picture of what is happening.

We do provide check meters to test the accuracy of meters. There is a charge for this which is payable in advance. However, if the meter does turn out to be faulty, then this will be refunded in full.

I hope this gives you a few routes to explore. Give me a shout if you need any more info as will be happy to help.

Malc