How do I read my gas meter?

Reading a gas meter is an important skill that can help you understand your natural gas usage, which in turn can assist you in managing your energy consumption and costs more effectively. Most residential gas meters are either digital or dial type. For a digital gas meter, the display will show several digits, and you will primarily look at the numbers before any decimal point or additional measurements. The reading is taken as a straightforward number, which typically represents the amount of gas you have used in units like cubic feet or cubic meters, depending on the type of meter installed. In the case of a dial gas meter, you will notice several dials, usually with a pointer on each one. Each dial represents a digit in the meter reading, typically starting from the left. You will need to read the dials from left to right, taking care to note the number the pointer is closest to. If the pointer is between two numbers, you should take the lower number. If it is directly on a number, check the dial to the right to see if it has just crossed the zero; if so, you take the lower number. After gathering this information, you can calculate your gas usage by subtracting the previous reading from the current reading. For further detailed guidance, Columbia Gas of Ohio provides resources online, which may be helpful in navigating the specifics of your meter type.