How to Read Your Home’s Gas or Electric Meter

Meter reading may not be the most exciting task, but it’s an important one. Tracking your usage helps you confirm that your utility bill looks accurate and provides a better sense of how much energy your home is using daily. This simple guide will help you understand the basics of gas vs. electric meter readings, with advice from our licensed St. Louis electricians.

How to Read a Gas Meter

Gas meters measure the amount of natural gas your home consumes, usually in cubic feet or cubic meters. They come in a few standard formats.

Analog Gas Meter 

Older gas models often use a series of clock-like dials. Reading them can be tricky since the hands on the adjacent dials rotate in opposite directions. Follow these steps for accurate tracking: 

1. Start with the dial on the left. 
2. Record the number the pointer has just passed. 
3. Move to the next dial to the right, writing down each number in sequence. 
4. Continue until you have the full reading. If the hand is between two numbers, record the lower number. 

Digital Gas Meters

Digital gas meters show a simple numerical readout. To read digital gas models, write down the numbers displayed from left to right. 

How to Read an Electric Meter

Electric meters typically come in three main types — analog, digital and smart. Each type has its own method of showing how much electricity you’ve consumed, usually in kilowatt-hours. 

Analog Electric Meters

These traditional models have a row of dials that look like small clock faces. Here are the steps to read an analog electric meter: 

1. Start with the dial farthest to the left. 
2. Record the figure that the pointer has just passed. 
3. Move to the next dial on the right and repeat the process. 
4. Continue until you’ve written down all the numbers in order. 
5. If a pointer is on a number, check the dial to the right. If that dial has not moved past zero, record the lower number. 

Many people make mistakes by reading the dial the pointer is closest to. If the pointer has not reached a number, record the lower one. If you need assistance, contact our licensed electricians for a quick electric load assessment.

Digital Electric Meters

Digital meters are much easier to read. They have a simple electronic display that shows the total kWh used. To read digital models: 

1. Look at the digital display. 
2. Write down the full number displayed. 

If your meter cycles through different screens, make sure you’re noting the kWh reading. 

Smart Electric Meters

Smart meters are becoming more common, and they automatically send readings to your utility provider. You rarely need to take a manual reading, but you can still view your usage. Here are the steps to check a smart meter reading: 

1. Look for the screen showing kWh used. Depending on your meter model and utility company, this screen may be on the meter outside your house or on a separate in-home display.
2. Record the number if you want to track the usage yourself. 

What Is a Normal Gas Meter Reading?

Typical residential monthly gas usage is around 5,000 cubic feet. However, this reading differs from one household to the next based on the size of your home, the season and how much natural gas your appliances consume. For most households, winter readings will be higher because of heating demands, while summer readings drop if gas is only used for cooking or hot water. 

Sudden spikes that don’t match your usual seasonal pattern may indicate a leak, a malfunctioning appliance or an efficiency issue with your heating system. If your meter is spinning when all gas appliances are off, contact a professional for inspection. 

What Is a Normal Electric Meter Reading?

General monthly usage for a two to three-bedroom house with two to three residents is around 985 kWh. As with gas, what’s considered normal depends on your household size, number of appliances and lifestyle. A regular reading should be consistent on a daily or monthly pattern, with higher usage during peak times.

If your usage suddenly spikes without explanation, it may indicate issues like failing insulation or an electrical fault. Address this problem quickly and schedule an appointment for electrical services with the experts at Classic Aire Care.

Book a System Tuneup Today

If your meter readings seem higher than usual, or if you simply want peace of mind that your systems are working efficiently, schedule our electrical troubleshooting services. Classic Aire Care has over 90 years of experience keeping St. Louis homeowners’ electrical systems in top condition. Our team provides professional electrical inspections, maintenance and repairs for any type of home utilities. Whether you need a 24/7 emergency visit or help with preventative maintenance, we’re ready to assist you.

Contact us today at 314-350-8066 to schedule an appointment.