Submitting accurate meter readings ensures you only pay for gas you actually use — not what the energy company estimates. Here's how to read the most common meter types.
Dial meters
Older dial meters have a series of dials. Read from left to right, taking the lower number when the pointer is between two digits. Ignore dials with a red face. Your reading is the sequence of numbers from left to right.
Digital meters (most common)
Modern digital meters display a row of digits. Read the digits left to right, ignoring any figures after a decimal point. Submit this number to your energy supplier.
Smart meters
Smart meters submit readings automatically — you typically don't need to read them. Check your account online or via your supplier's app to verify readings are being received.
How often to submit
Monthly readings are best for accurate billing. At minimum, submit a reading at the end of each quarter.
How reading affects your heating system
Unusually high gas usage can indicate a boiler efficiency problem. If your consumption increases significantly without obvious cause (colder winter, more people at home), book a diagnostic service — your boiler may be running inefficiently.