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Rank 2
November 17, 2024
Solved

Can someone help me understand my gas usage?

  • November 17, 2024
  • 28 replies
  • 333 views

I've recently moved to a bungalow, it's just me and I only use the radiator on the bedroom on 20c for around 2 hours every night and my bill is over £100 pm  !  My shower is electric. Gas only used for radiators. I don't use much tap hotwater at all, rarely actually to save... and I washing in a bowl  I can't really understand the kW in the ovo app.  Could someone explain what I'm possibly doing wrong to cost this much?!   Am I better to use my sitting room wall electric heater? 

Best answer by BeePee

Hi. To me the gas meter looks to be an old style “dumb” meter (installed 2006?).

Is your bill being estimated? What is the split between gas and electricity charges?

Gas is about a quarter the cost of electricity so it should (generally) be cheaper heating by gas than electricity.

28 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
November 17, 2024

The Gas MSN format/syntax matches those installed in 2006, so it can only be a Traditional Meter.

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Rank 2
November 17, 2024

I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what's what and enquire about this old meter also.   Thanks again for all your help and advice.. bless you x

Rank 2
November 17, 2024

Oh so that meter is OK then ?    I can see ya it says on the picture 2006 'old meter' haha.     I think my boiler might be quite old too..   but as I said, I've not a clue what I'm talking about all I know is these bungalows are quite old from before the war ll.  I believe 

juliamc
Rank 20
Rank 20
November 17, 2024

from a different thread: 

…[give] a reading on the day after your billing period finishes, not on the day itself.

Blastoise186
Super User
Super User
November 17, 2024

It’s probably “OK” if recording gas usage is what you mean. However, at 18 years old it’s likely nearly at End of Service Life so could do with being replaced soon. OVO Support might be able to arrange that if you ask them.

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Nukecad
Super User
Super User
November 17, 2024

I can confirm that if you have to give manual meter readings then to avoid estimates on your bill you should give the reading the day after your billing period ends. (or a couple of days will do).

I have been doing that with my gas for months now.*

Readings are attributed to midnight at the start of the day the reading was submitted.
So if I submit a reading on the last day of a period then the rest of that day until midnight still generates a 1-day estimate on the bill.

*I have a new gas meter supposedly coming tomorrow morning, hopefully this one will be able to communicate with the coms hub so I can stop sending manual readings for my gas.
I will be submitting a ‘last’ (hopefully) reading for the current meter, but not until after midnight and so probably early morning before the engineer arrives.

I said, Hey - Watts going on.
Super User
November 17, 2024

Not relevant to your billing but some energy saving tips.

Your boiler looks to be set reasonably. When you next run some hot water check the temperature readings on the boiler. You are aiming for somewhere around 48°C to 52°C. This should be hot enough for washing up and hand washing but not too hot to scald. You can make small adjustments to the right hand knob if it is a long way out (or too hot or cold). The radiator knob can then be set at the same position (radiators hot but not too hot).

If you have issues with the heating not starting then your system water pressure is on the low side and may need topping up. An easy job. Maybe an excuse to get to know the neighbours and find one that is in-the-know.

When it comes to your heating, a major part of the gas usage occurs heating your bungalow back up.

This is the gas usage for my mothers house. Large peak around 7am when the heating turns on and then much less during the day. Once you have a handle on how much you are actually using then think of your comfort.

Annually: Petrol 1315l to 442l, Electricity 3779 kWh to 2465 kWh, Gas 17,853 kWh to 9128 kWh. 20 years of monitoring and tweaking.
Rank 2
November 17, 2024

I'll do that thank you!     I only stumbled across this forum by chance on the app and I cannot thank you all enough for your kind help x.  Fingers crossed the cost gets lowered x.   Have a great Xmas everyone x