Understanding Gas Meters and Why Upgrades Occur
Gas meters, located externally at homes and businesses, measure gas consumption. These meters are interconnected with the mains and ensure gas delivery to your property’s pipelines and appliances. Owned and maintained by gas distributors, they can provide information on newly available meter technologies.
Gas meters can become damaged, obsolete or lose accuracy over time. Upgrading to new gas meter models brings improved safety, accuracy and performance. Smart digital meters also introduce features like remote monitoring and data tracking.
During an upgrade orchestrated by your gas distributor, your presence isn’t required; they will exchange the old meter for a new one, safeguarding a reliable gas supply. This program typically commences once the meter has reached its service lifespan or when an upgrade is necessary due to capacity constraints.
Reasons for Upgrading Your Gas Meter
Several factors may necessitate a gas meter upgrade in Quakers Hill:
Increased Gas Usage
If your gas usage increases significantly, perhaps from installing a new gas heater or appliance, your existing metre may not be adequate to supply the higher demand. Upgrading allows proper gas flow to all your appliances.
New Gas Appliances
Contemporary gas appliances tend to have greater BTU output and increased gas consumption. Your current meter might not have the capacity to handle the demand of new appliances. Upgrading ensures all appliances function as intended.
Outdated Equipment
Gas meters typically function accurately for up to 20 years. Old mechanical dials lose accuracy over time. Upgrading to an electronic smart meter improves measurement accuracy.
Safety and Compliance
Upgrades may be required to meet changing safety standards and regulations. New metres have in-built safety features. This ensures ongoing safe and compliant gas supply to your property.
How to Initiate the Gas Meter Upgrade Process
Begin your gas meter upgrade by reaching out to Quakers Hill Plumbing for tailored advice. As gas fitting experts, we can provide advice about the upgrade process and required applications.
The first critical step is submitting an application to your gas distributor for a meter upgrade or replacement. This formally requests them to assess if an upgrade is necessary and justified. The application requires particulars such as your address and more:
- Your name and supply address
- Existing metre serial number
- Reason for requested upgrade
- Gas appliances using supply
- Average usage
- Contact details
The distributor evaluates the application to determine if the proposed meter installation aligns with regulations and usage needs. Upgrades are generally approved if the existing metre is faulty, outdated or exceeding capacity.
Once approved, the distributor will coordinate installation with a licenced gas fitter like Quakers Hill Plumbing. We ensure your property’s pipework is ready and will safely accommodate your new gas metre.
The application process usually completes within 5 to 10 business days. We guide you through each step from initial contact to completion of your metre upgrade.
Preparing Your Property and Ensuring Appliance Compatibility
Adequately preparing your property is crucial to ensure a smooth gas metre upgrade. Follow this checklist before the installation:
Clear the Metre Area
Ensure at least 1 metre of clearance around the gas meter location. Remove items blocking access like vehicles, rubbish bins, garden beds and debris.
Check Appliance Specifications
Confirm all your gas appliances are compatible with the upgraded gas supply and metre system. Check appliance manuals or data plates for technical specifications.
Have Appliance Details Handy
Make a list of all gas appliances on your property with details like model numbers, BTU ratings and serial numbers. Provide this to your gas fitter beforehand.
Arrange for Appliances to Be Turned Off
Turn off and isolate all gas appliances including hot water systems and cooking units prior to the upgrade. This allows safe metre removal and installation.
Be Present for the Metre Exchange
Remain home when the gas metre upgrade is taking place to facilitate a smooth process. Your gas fitter can then assist relighting appliances and checking proper operations if required.
What to Expect: Timeline and Scheduling Considerations
The typical gas metre upgrade takes 1-2 weeks from initial contact to completion. But, complex upgrades can extend to 4-6 weeks, influenced by site specifics and appliance compatibility assessments.
Standard Upgrades
For straightforward upgrades without complications, you can expect:
- Application review and approval take 1-3 business days
- Scheduling and installation by the distributor are set within 5-10 business days
- 1-2 hours onsite for the actual metre exchange
Complex Upgrades
Complex upgrades involving extensive pipework changes, appliance replacements or site modifications will take longer:
- 10+ business days for application approval and planning
- On-site preparation work spans over 10-15 business days
- 4-8 hours for final metre installation
Scheduling Your Upgrade
Gas meter upgrades necessitate an appointment organised with your distributor through a licensed gas fitter such as Quakers Hill Plumbing. We’ll coordinate a suitable time based on the scope of work required.
For life support customers, priority bookings can be arranged. Upgrades typically occur on weekdays between 8am-4pm. Appliance isolation and relighting may also be needed around the appointment.
With coordination through Quakers Hill Plumbing, We strive to minimise disruptions to your gas supply throughout the upgrade.
Associated Costs of Gas Meter Upgrades
Upgrading your gas metre does involve costs, which can vary depending on factors like:
Distributor Charges
Your gas distributor may levy an evaluation fee around $30 for your meter upgrade application. They may also levy fixed charges for the removal of old metres and installation of new ones. These charges usually vary between $300 and $800.
Gas Fitting Fees
As your licenced gas fitter, Quakers Hill Plumbing charges for services like:
- Site inspections and preparation - $150+
- Project management and coordination - $250+
- Appliance isolation, metre exchange and reconnection - $350+
Complex upgrades involving extra pipework, excavation or appliance replacements will cost more in gas fitting fees.
The Benefits of Smart and Digital Gas Meters
Smart or digital gas meters offer numerous advantages for Quakers Hill homes and businesses:
Real-Time Usage Monitoring
Smart meters log gas usage data at regular 30-minute intervals. This allows you to track usage patterns through an online portal or smartphone app. Recognising periods of high or low gas demand informs on appliance use and potential savings.
Remote Metre Readings
Without necessitating property access, your gas distributor can perform remote daily readings of your meter. This automates billing and eliminates manual metre readings saving time and money.
Enhanced Leak Detection
Smart metres have sensors to detect abnormal gas flows indicating a leak. Alert notifications are wirelessly sent to your distributor for rapid response and repair.
Seamless Integration
Smart gas metres enable easy integration with your electricity meter and home energy management systems. This allows comprehensive tracking of your home’s overall energy footprint.
Upgrading to the latest gas metre technologies through Quakers Hill Plumbing provides accuracy, safety and convenience benefits.
Addressing Common Concerns and FAQs
Will I have disruption to my gas supply during the upgrade?
A brief interruption to your gas supply will occur as we replace the old meter with the new one.
The replacement is generally completed within 1 to 2 hours. We’ll coordinate a suitable time and date with you in advance.
What happens to my old gas metre?
The old gas meter is retained by the distributor after removal. After removal, it’s securely transported from site and appropriately recycled under environmental guidelines.
Do I need to be home for the gas metre replacement?
While we typically request an adult on site, you don’t need home if prior arrangements for access are made. We need you on site to grant access, isolate appliances, and check proper functioning after reinstating gas supply.
How can Quakers Hill Plumbing make the process easier?
As your local trusted plumbing experts, we guide you through every phase from initial consultations to coordinating install dates with your distributor. Our gasfitters ensure minimal disruption to supply during the upgrade. We also relight your appliances and offer post-job advice to guarantee smooth ongoing operations.
For more information or to arrange your gas meter upgrade in Quakers Hill, email or call Quakers Hill Plumbing today.