How do gas meters work? Learn how gas meters work and what to do if one looks to be operating abnormally. A gas meter registers the amount of consumption of gas that a customer uses, and are used at every...
A gas meter registers the amount of consumption of gas that a customer uses, and are used at every residence and commercial building that consumes fuel gas supplied by a local gas supply company. A gas supplier must provide a customer with an appropriate meter, such as a credit or quarterly meter where the gas is consumed and the customer pays for it later; or a prepayment meter, where a customer pays in advance for the gas supply.
Gas meters are usually read every month and the gas supplier must inspect and test the meter at least once every two years. The meter detects the amount of flow of fuel gases that are used, such as natural gas and propane. There are three different meters one can use: diaphragm, rotary and turbine meters. Each meter has devices called odometers that use clock hands to determine the amount of gas consumption.
"If you feel that a gas meter is wrongly read, then contact your gas supplier and ask for it to be double checked," says Gonzalez.
If a gas pipe is in a dangerous condition it must be fixed immediately. If not, a tragic incident can occur. One should insure their home is correctly insulated to save money on gas bills by preventing heat loss in the home, choosing gas heating systems and controls, and using a gas heating system efficiently. One is not allowed to mess with shutoff valves on gas meters, but it wouldn't hurt to know where the exact location of the shutoff valve is in case of an emergency. The gas meter is usually located on the side or in front of the building.
"The main gas service shutoff valve is located outside and can normally be found near the gas meter on a section of gas service pipe coming out of the ground," says Gonzalez.
According to PGE.com, do not shut off the gas unless you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a gas leak. If the gas is shut off, call your local gas company and have them inspect the situation before turning the gas back on.
Gas is a very dangerous element that can cause a lot of harm to people if used inappropriately. Kids especially should learn not to touch anything that uses gas.
"Do not play with any gas appliances like the stove, and do not turn any knobs on," says Gonzalez. "Do not take any flammable liquids such as gasoline and things like that from the outside of the house to the inside of the house. They could spill and be the source of ignition for a gas appliance. Stay away from any gas company equipment, such as gas meters, which would be located around your home or next to your home."
