Buying Electric Fireplaces

Bigger Gas Meter Needed, Cost?

We’re converting from electric to gas heat. We’ve determined that we don’t have enough gas flow to the house to support the new gas appliances. We already have gas water heaters, cooktop, gas log fireplace, etc. We’ve been told to contact our gas company and ask for a new meter that will increase the gas flow to our house.
My question is what services does the gas company supply? They’ve told us the meter is free but will they also pressure check the system and provide new regulators for all the existing gas appliances? We had a plumber try to charge us $3400 for that work, but another company indicated they thought the gas company should do it all for free.

Related posts:

  1. My Electric Meter Is Connected To Two Apartments And I’m Footing The Bill, Who’s Responsible For What?
  2. My Electric Meter Is Connected To Two Apartments And I’m Footing The Bill, Who’s Responsible For What?
  3. My Electric Meter Is Connected To Two Apartments And I’m Footing The Bill, Who’s Responsible For What?
  4. Can Anybody Help Me With An Electrical Usage Question (ex. Pge Meter, Bill, Etc.)?
  5. What Heats A House Best, Electric, Gas Heat, Fireplace, Floor Furnace?

January 16th, 2010 | Posted In Electric Fireplace FAQ
  1. Comment by gizmoe
    January 16, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

    The gas co. would be responsible for work to the meter.
    You are responsible for the work after the meter.
    If they are not increasing the size of the piping they are converting it to a 2 LB system.
    That means instead of having 1/2 LB of pressure coming in the home it will be increased to 2 LB’s to compensate for smaller gas lines and regulators will be needed at each appliance location to get back down to 1/2 LB before the appliance.
    The plumber’s price of $3400.00 was probably to increase the pipe size instead of increasing the pressure.
    Some gas companies do not do work past the meter and if they do they will charge for that work. Check with them first for your options.

  2. Comment by sensible
    January 16, 2010 @ 6:22 pm

    The gas company will install the larger meter, but that also means larger lines since you are adding to the demand. The main pipes that feed the current appliances are probably not big enough to carry enough gas to all of them, plus the new furnace. The gas company will not provide new regulators or do any work inside the house, with the exception of checking the lines for leaks.

  3. Comment by Cat Lady
    January 17, 2010 @ 12:09 am

    If you live in California, the gas company owns the meter and will replace it if necessary.
    They also perform free pressure and leak tests on lines leading up to your house, and on appliances using gas, but repair work inside your house is your responsibility.

  4. Comment by beachedc
    January 17, 2010 @ 5:48 am

    tell the gas company of what you are “thinking”of doing and they should want your buisness and make recommendations and advise you,tell them you heard they would do it it for free and if not ask what they would “do” for you to make transition easier and cheaper for you

  5. Comment by charset=UTF-8" />

    Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes