Gas Meter Upgrade in Bethesda, MD – Everything You Need to Know
If you are considering installing a natural gas-powered generator at your home or business, ensuring that your gas meter can handle the increased demand is crucial. Many homeowners are unaware that their existing gas meter may not be adequately sized to support both a new generator and their current appliances. If you are in Bethesda, MD, and need a gas meter upgrade, Meyer Electrical is here to help.
Why Upgrade Your Gas Meter?
A gas meter upgrade is essential when adding appliances that significantly increase your gas consumption. The meter’s capacity is typically listed on a plate in cubic feet per hour (CFH). To determine whether an upgrade is necessary, you need to:
- Identify the BTU rating of each existing gas appliance in your home.
- Add the BTU rating of the new generator to the total.
- Compare this total demand to your gas meter’s capacity.
If the demand exceeds your current meter’s capacity, then a gas meter upgrade is required to ensure a steady and safe gas supply to all appliances.
Steps to Adding or Replacing Natural Gas Appliances
If you already use natural gas at your property, upgrading your meter might be necessary for new, high-demand appliances like generators. At Meyer Electrical, we follow a systematic approach to ensure a safe and efficient gas meter upgrade:
- Verify Gas Usage Requirements
- We calculate the total BTU input rating for existing appliances and the new generator.
- We confirm the manufacturer’s gas pressure recommendations for the generator.
- Assess Gas Service Line Capacity
- We contact Washington Gas to check whether your current service line can handle the increased load.
- Evaluate the Need for a Split-Meter System
- In some cases, a split-meter system may be the best option to efficiently manage different pressure requirements.
- Submit a Load Request Form
- Either Meyer Electrical or the homeowner submits the Added Load / Split-Meter Request Form to Washington Gas.
- Schedule the Upgrade
- The gas meter company will contact you to schedule the installation and discuss any potential additional costs.
What is a Split-Meter System?
A split-meter system is often recommended when adding a generator to your home. In this setup, Washington Gas installs a new meter (or reinstalls the existing one) and two regulators to accommodate different gas pressure needs:
- 2 PSIG pressure to power the generator.
- 7.0 inches of water column pressure for the existing appliances.
When is a Split-Meter Recommended?
A split-meter system may be the best solution if:
- Installing new gas piping is more cost-effective than modifying the existing house piping.
- Your current gas piping system is undersized for the additional demand.
- Your new generator requires higher gas pressure than what your existing system can provide.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Gas Meter
If your current gas meter cannot handle the added load of a generator, upgrading it offers several benefits:
- Ensures a reliable gas supply – No interruptions or pressure drops when using multiple appliances.
- Improves efficiency – Proper gas pressure helps appliances operate optimally.
- Prevents safety hazards – Avoids risks associated with insufficient gas flow, such as incomplete combustion or pilot light failure.
- Meets local codes and regulations – Ensures compliance with Washington Gas and local building codes.
Need a Gas Meter Upgrade in Bethesda, MD? Contact Meyer Electrical Today!
If you’re adding a natural gas generator or any other high-demand gas appliance, it’s critical to have the right gas meter to support your home’s energy needs. Meyer Electrical specializes in gas meter upgrades in Bethesda, MD, ensuring your system runs safely and efficiently.
📞 Call us today to schedule an assessment or get a free consultation on your gas meter upgrade needs!