Have you ever stared at your energy meter and thought, “What on earth am I looking at?” Don’t worry... you’re not alone! Reading your meter might seem confusing at first, but it’s a handy skill to have, especially if you want to keep an eye on your energy use or make sure you’re being billed correctly.
At Help4Homes, we believe in making things simple, so here’s an easy guide to help you get the hang of reading your energy meter. Whether you’ve got a traditional meter or a modern smart meter, we’ve got you covered.
Energy meters come in a few different types, and each has its own way of showing your usage. The most common types are:
• Digital Meters
• Dial Meters
• Prepayment Meters
• Smart Meters
Knowing which type you have is the first step. Let’s break down how to read each one.
Digital meters are probably the easiest to read... no dials, no fuss, just numbers! Here’s what you do:
Look for a display with five numbers, followed by a decimal point and a few more numbers.
Ignore anything after the decimal point... you only need the first five numbers.
Example: If your meter shows “02345.678”, you’d just note down “02345”.
That’s it! Simple, right? You’re done.
Dial meters can look tricky because they’ve got multiple dials, but once you know what to do, it’s not so bad:
You’ll see five or six dials; each numbered from 0 to 9. You need to write down the number that each pointer is pointing to, starting from the left.
If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number. If it’s exactly on a number, double check the next dial to the right. If that one’s past zero, write down the number the pointer is on. If it hasn’t passed zero yet, write down the lower number.
Example: If one dial is between 3 and 4, write down 3. If the next dial is past 0, go with 4.
Ignore any extra dials that might be there for testing purposes... you only need the first five numbers.
Prepayment meters are often used by people who pay for their energy in advance. They usually have a digital screen, and there are a few ways to get the info you need:
If you’re on a key meter, insert your key and the screen should show the numbers you need.
If you’re on a smartcard meter, press a button (usually labelled as ‘A’ or ‘B’) to cycle through the display until you find the meter reading.
In both cases, just write down the first five numbers, ignoring any decimals.
Smart meters are becoming more popular because they send readings automatically to your supplier. But there may be times when you want to check your usage manually. Here’s how:
If you’ve got a smart gas meter, press the button that says ‘9’ on your meter. The screen will show your usage in cubic meters. Write down the first five numbers.
For smart electricity meters, press ‘9’ on the meter’s keypad. The display should show a series of letters and numbers...just jot down the first five numbers.
You might wonder why you need to read your meter at all if your supplier sends estimated bills. Well, here’s why:
Avoid estimated bills: Your energy company might send you an estimated bill if they don’t have your actual readings. These estimates can sometimes be higher than your actual usage, so it’s always a good idea to provide up to date readings.
Keep track of your energy use: Reading your meter regularly helps you stay on top of how much energy you’re using. This can help you spot any changes and avoid unexpected costs.
Make sure you’re getting the best deal: When you’re in control of your readings, you can make more informed decisions about your energy tariff and switch to a better deal if needed.
• Digital meters: Write down the first five numbers.
• Dial meters: Write down the lower number for each dial.
• Prepayment meters: Insert your key or press the button to get the reading.
• Smart meters: Press ‘9’ to see your usage.
Reading your energy meter doesn’t have to be a hassle. It’s a great way to stay informed and make sure you’re paying for exactly what you are using... nothing more, nothing less.
If you need more tips or advice on managing your energy bills, feel free to reach out to help4homes.
We are here to make energy easier for everyone!
At help4homes, we offer independent and impartial advice on everything from energy efficiency to renewable solutions like solar power. If you’re thinking about how to reduce your energy costs, get in touch with one of our experts today!
