How To Read Your Gas Meter
Your gas meter is an accurate, automatic measuring instrument. It tracks how much gas flows through it by counting the filling and emptying of the compartments inside the meter. Since each compartment fills with the same amount of gas every time, the measuring is very accurate. And because one compartment is emptied as another is being filled, the flow of gas to the various appliances is smooth and uninterrupted.
Reading Your Meter
The face of a gas meter usually has two sets of dials. The dials marked "One-Half Foot" and "Two Feet" are for test purposes only and are not to be used for meter reading purposes. The dials on your gas meter resemble small clocks. Within each dial the numbers range from zero to nine and a hand points to a number within each dial. When reading each dial, it is important to note that some dials run clockwise and others run counterclockwise. The hand follows the numbers and only advances when gas is being used. Some gas meters look much like the odometer on your car. To read this type of gas meter, simply record the numbers displayed.
Steps:
- Stand directly in front of the meter (this will give you the best view of where the hands are pointing)
- Read and record the number from each dial starting from the right and moving left.
- When the hand is between two numbers or has just passed a number, record the smaller number (e.g. hand is between the 5 and 6 or has just passed the 5, record the number 5).
- When the hand appears to be directly on a number, before recording that number, be sure to check the dial to the right. If the hand has not passed zero record the smaller number instead.
What
reading would you record for this example? (see answer below)
The correct reading for this example is 4 7 3 0
How Much Gas Do You Use?
One reading doesn’t tell you how much gas you use. Enter your first reading on line 1 below. Take another reading several days later and enter it on line 2. Subtract the reading on line 1 from the reading on line 2. This tells you the number of cubic feet of gas used during the time between readings.
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Meter Reading | Date | Time | Cubic Feet Used | |
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