What’s Involved in a Gas Meter Upgrade?

Understanding Why You Might Need a Gas Meter Upgrade

Several scenarios may necessitate an upgrade to your existing gas meter:

• Installation of new gas appliances - When adding appliances, such as hot water systems or heaters, a meter with a higher flow capacity is often required.
• Increased gas demand - If your household’s gas consumption has risen substantially, your current meter might be undersized.
• Smart meter programs - Utility companies are upgrading to digital smart meters for remote reading capabilities and better gas supply management.

A new gas meter installation offers numerous advantages, including:

• Enhanced safety and adherence to modern regulations
• Enhanced accuracy in metre readings and billing
• Required capacity for additional gas appliances
• Access to usage data to help reduce energy costs

Although gas meters belong to utility companies, homeowners are responsible for ensuring accessibility. Your provider can advise on the process required to access your gas meter if it needs upgrading.

Initiating the Gas Meter Upgrade Application Process

Upgrading your gas metre starts by contacting our team at Penshurst Plumbing to discuss your needs. We will guide you through the process, including:

1. Providing details about your existing gas metre, appliances and typical usage
2. Advising whether an upgrade is recommended based on this information
3. Submitting a gas metre upgrade application to your distributor on your behalf
4. Coordinating preparatory steps with your distributor, like load assessments

For complex upgrades like increasing capacity or relocating the metre, extra steps may be required before the installation can proceed.

Our experienced staff make the process as smooth as possible. To get started with your gas metre upgrade:

• Contact Penshurst Plumbing at 1300 349 338
• Email [email protected]

Preparing Your Home and Site for the Meter Upgrade

To ensure the gas metre upgrade runs smoothly, there are some important requirements for preparing your home and site:

• Ensure clear access to your meter location by removing obstructions.
• Have a secure, dedicated area for your new gas meter equipment away from potential damage.
• You may need to facilitate a site visit prior to installation day to confirm access.
• Provide precise access details for your property, such as gate codes, parking availability, and any constraints.
• Follow all instructions from Penshurst Plumbing or your distributor to prepare your site.
• Keep a clearance of approximately 1.5 meters around the installation site for safety on the day of the upgrade.

Having your site correctly and safely set up means the gas metre upgrade can proceed efficiently and on schedule. Our team will guide you through any specific requirements for preparing your property.

What to Expect on Upgrade Day

On the day your gas metre upgrade takes place, here is what you can expect when we address your need home gas meter installation:

• The gas fitter will arrive during the scheduled appointment time to start the work
• Before beginning, safety checks will be conducted and work area established
• Expect a 1-2 hour shutdown of your home’s gas supply for the removal of the old meter and installation of the new one
• During this time, the technician will replace the meter, perform pressure testing and conduct leak checks
• Once fully installed and tested, your gas supply will be turned back on
• You may need to relight pilot lights or reset appliances after the upgrade
• The fitter performs final checks, then cleans up the work area before leaving

Upgrade procedures typically last 2 to 3 hours. We prioritise efficiency and strict safety protocols during the gas meter installation.

Performing Post-Installation Safety Checks

It’s critical to carry out safety inspections post-installation before regular use of your gas appliances resumes. As accredited gas fitters, Penshurst Plumbing will conduct checks when reconnecting your gas supply, however homeowners should also verify the following:

• Check all gas appliances relight properly. If pilot lights have gone out, relight them.
• Inspect burners and ensure a clear blue flame without yellow tipping or excessive noise.
• Note any detectable gas odours, which may indicate leaks. Contact us immediately if you ever smell gas.
• Check that hot water systems, heaters and stoves are working correctly.
• Check gas appliances are not overheating or malfunctioning in any way.
• Review your next gas bill to confirm that it aligns with expected usage post-upgrade.

Confirming your gas system is operating safely post-installation gives peace of mind. If you have any concerns about unusual appliance performance, odours or billing, please contact Penshurst Plumbing straight away. Maintaining gas safety standards relies on homeowners as well as installers, so we appreciate you taking these precautions.

Managing Costs and Homeowner Responsibilities

Upgrading your gas metre does incur costs, however there are a few ways these can be minimised for homeowners including those with life support equipment:

• Time-Expired Meter Programs - Replacement is free under these programs if your outdated meter model is recognised as susceptible to inaccuracies.
• Comparing offers - Obtain quotes from multiple licensed gas fitters to ensure the best deal. Penshurst Plumbing provides competitive pricing.
• Consider timing - Upgrades may be cheaper at off-peak times when demand is lower.

As the owner of gas supply infrastructure on your property, you do have ongoing responsibilities including:

• Ensuring future access and preventing damage - Keep the metre and pipes clear of debris, vegetation and structures.
• Reporting issues - Advise your distributor or Penshurst Plumbing of any leaks, faults or suspicious activity related to gas equipment.
• Paying network charges - Costs for supply infrastructure maintenance are covered in usage bills.

Penshurst Plumbing can furnish quotes and guidance to ensure your gas meter upgrade is economical. Contact us today to get started.

Handling Time-Expired Gas Meters

Time-expired meters are gas meters that have exceeded their approved lifespan of approximately 15-25 years. At this stage, because accuracy may decline, utility companies typically offer Time-Expired Meter Programs for replacements.

If you receive notification that your metre is time expired, it means a replacement is required. This is to ensure ongoing safety and measurement accuracy. Time expired replacements are provided free of charge as part of utility company safety regulations.

Here is what you need to know about dealing with a time expired metre:

• You will receive a written notice from your utility provider when your meter is due for replacement.
• Speak with Penshurst Plumbing about the replacement procedure and needed preparations.

For further inquiries about time-expired meters or to schedule a replacement, contact Penshurst Plumbing at 1300 349 338. As accredited experts, we can ensure the changeover is conducted safely, efficiently and at no cost to you.