Why is my gas bill / units so high? Gas leak?

bored.ie.ie

Hi Guys,

I just got my gas bill which was added up based on my last meter reading and this months meter reading, 742 units used which is coming in after VAT etc at 560 Euro, I live in a one bed flat and have the heating on only for a few hours a day. Sometimes at the weekend more, the only thing that works off of the GAS is heating & Water.

Last bill was 410 units and was 350 Euro - this was over Christmas when I had the heating on nearly all the time.

Im desperate for some help as I have no idea why it would jump so much when I am using it the same if not less??

HELP!!

Michael D Not Higgins

Were any of the bills estimate readings or all actual readings? Do they tally with what's on the meter?

bored.ie.ie

they were readings, I take a pic and send it to the landlord every two months, the true reading is 742 Units.

Which is wrong, I mean I cant see how its so high, even with the heating on constant in dec my bill was only 350!!! (400 units used)

Tar.Aldarion

What are units in this case? My units cost 8 cent. Yours cost nearly a euro.

Your bill should not be near that high, its huge compared to mine, definitely worth getting it checked out.

Michael D Not Higgins

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

What are units in this case? My units cost 8 cent. Yours cost nearly a euro.

Your bill should not be near that high, its huge compared to mine, definitely worth getting it checked out.

Looks like a reading of m^3 not units.

bored.ie.ie

Well the bill is correct based on units used. My concern is why the units have mounted so high in two months, I had my heating on constant over Xmas and it was only 410 units so Im really worried, is there a boiler problem maybe?

Black_Knight

What dates are on the bill? You're likely getting your January/February usage bill now. Feb was pretty cold, as as January (tail end of Christmas).

That said, it seems high. Our last bill from end Nov-start Feb was €92. Meters were read.


If you suspect a gas leak, id both take this seriously, and turn off all gas in the house, Check the meter and see if it moves. 742 units in ~60 days should be easy to spot (12 units a day). If that returns no results, use your gas normally and just see how many units you're using per day. All about getting a better idea of your usage.

Even 410 seems like crazy amounts for a 1 bed flat. Im in a 2 bed flat which we keep cosy (outside office hours only) for ~100m^3 units per 2 months.

bored.ie.ie

Its not the bill its the units you see, I take a pic of the meter every two months and it has gone up 740 Units.

I mean 12 units a day is a lots still isnt it?

Thanks

Michael D Not Higgins

Does your meter read in m^3?

bored.ie.ie

I dont know what m^3 means 1?!?!

bored.ie.ie

I dont know what m^3 means ?!?!

Michael D Not Higgins

Cubic metres

Michael D Not Higgins

If it does, then the bill cost is right compared to the amount of gas used. However it's an enormous amount of gas to use, it's double what my highest bill has been for a one bed flat over a three month period where all my heating, cooking, and hot water is from gas.

bored.ie.ie

I know this is what I am saying, the amount used is 740 Units. I have read the meter and the previous one myself so know that stage is correct.

My worry is that there is somehow/ somewhere a problem, like a boiler issue, a leak etc

also wanted to check to see how this compares to everyone elses!

I have had my heating on but by no means have I used it that much thats like a mansion!!

goldenhoarde

here is what I suggest

1) Take a meter reading or pic
2) turn off all gas appliances for the day - say from when you go to work/out for the day until you get home
3) check the reading when you get home and it should not have moved
4) if so its usage so the boiler may need to be checked/serviced as that's high
5) if it has moved over the day then a leak may be the issue so turn off the gas at the meter and get on to the landlord or call the 24-hour Emergency Service on 1850 20 50 50

The longer you can do 2 for the better although 740 units is about 12 a day so 1 unit every two hours so 8 hrs should be enough to give a good idea.

Also how do you have the gas coming on, timer or is it controlled by thermostat and on constant?

Michael D Not Higgins

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

I know this is what I am saying, the amount used is 740 Units. I have read the meter and the previous one myself so know that stage is correct.

My worry is that there is somehow/ somewhere a problem, like a boiler issue, a leak etc

also wanted to check to see how this compares to everyone elses!

I have had my heating on but by no means have I used it that much thats like a mansion!!

Are you renting? Have you asked the landlord about it yet?

Have you only recently moved in? If not how does it compare to last year?

bored.ie.ie

Thanks goldenhoarde,

I actually did that this morning Iv taken a pic and switched off the meter, it did stop when I did that this morning so I will double check when I get home, so boiler could be the issue?

Does anyone know that if this is the case, would I be within my rights to claim money back from somewhere or insist the landlord fit some of the bill?

Thank you

bored.ie.ie

Hi again,

Its on timer but I click boost every now and then like in the evenings.

I know 12 units a day is well out, what is average do you know?

TheChizler

OP you say you're sending the landlord pictures of the readings, is the bill not in your name? Do you get to see the actual bill from the supplier?

Also just to rule it out, you're not counting the number in red from the meter are you?

Try taking a reading as outlined here and submit it yourself.

bored.ie.ie

I have spoken to the landlord yes, she agrees its very high.

Im not disputing the cost as such, its the units and how high they are. They shouldn't be at 740 for what Iv used. I was estimating about 300 units so something is seriously wrong!!

I am talking to her again this eve so will be asking for someone to come and check the boiler etc ASAP.

No one can afford to pay 560 Euro for two bloody months of heating!!!

bored.ie.ie

No im not reading the red numbers

Moonbeam

We live in a 4 bed house,with bad insulation,heating that gets stuck on and 4 young children and my usage for the 2 months was 439 cubic metres or 4976kWh.
I think you should ring the gas company of landlord,is it possible you are being charged for neighbours gas? Do you have your own meter?

Michael D Not Higgins

Just looking at my annual summary, they use an average value of 13,500kWh as an industry baseline comparison which works out to about 100 units per month. You're well above the average in a property that's below the average in size.

bored.ie.ie

Its really frustrating as I have to get to the bottom of it, Im talking to the landlord tonight with a view to arranging for a Gas man to visit in the next couple of days. This need sorting ASAP as there is no way I can carry on like this

From what Iv read and seen the past 24 hours Im well over double the units for my usage!

Does anyone know what my rights would be re payment, so if there is a problem with the boiler can I claim back from landlord or the gas co?

Thanks

Michael D Not Higgins

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

Its really frustrating as I have to get to the bottom of it, Im talking to the landlord tonight with a view to arranging for a Gas man to visit in the next couple of days. This need sorting ASAP as there is no way I can carry on like this

From what Iv read and seen the past 24 hours Im well over double the units for my usage!

Does anyone know what my rights would be re payment, so if there is a problem with the boiler can I claim back from landlord or the gas co?

Thanks

I'm not sure you can claim anything back. The landlord is attempting to fix the problem as soon as you mentioned it to him. He doesn't know how you use the system day to day and the level of usage could have been right. The gas company similarly can't do anything unless they're told of a problem.

bored.ie.ie

If the units used are correct last bill and arent this time how was anyone to know, surely this is something that the landlord is insured for OR the gas company have allowances for.

Michael D Not Higgins

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

If the units used are correct last bill and arent this time how was anyone to know, surely this is something that the landlord is insured for OR the gas company have allowances for.

If there's something wrong with the meter, then yeah the gas company will do something about it and you'll get money back, but if it's just a leaky connection or old boiler, that's not their problem.

If it is a problem with the boiler then you could try a dispute against the landlord. He will however show he was dilligent in following up the initial complaint and mitigated the problem to the best of his abilities and knowledge. Can't see that one standing up unfortunately.

bored.ie.ie

well lets hope anyway, I dont even know what the issue is yet but I am certain that I ultimately have not used 742 units. FACT

housetypeb

Where is the meter situated? In the apartment itself or outside?
How many apartments in the building and how many meters?

com1

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

Thanks goldenhoarde,

I actually did that this morning Iv taken a pic and switched off the meter, it did stop when I did that this morning so I will double check when I get home, so boiler could be the issue?

Does anyone know that if this is the case, would I be within my rights to claim money back from somewhere or insist the landlord fit some of the bill?

Thank you

If you turned the gas off at the meter you are NOT checking for leaks. You need to leave the gas on at the meter and turn off ALL of your gas appliances. By the way if the meter moves at all when you do this ring 1850 20 50 50 immediately (if it were me I would leave the apartment first) do not ring your landlord and expect them to do it for you. Gas leaks in apartment blocks are extremely bad news. Remember the leaking gas is going somewhere

bored.ie.ie

Its in my apartment, it runs the whole house (which is two apartments, one is empty upstairs which the landlord uses when home - she lives in spain) but she is very sure that no Gas (fro heating and water) was used upstairs.

Im not sure how it can leak if its only the heating etc - from what I have read I think its possibly a boiler issue

housetypeb

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

Its in my apartment, it runs the whole house (which is two apartments, one is empty upstairs which the landlord uses when home - she lives in spain) but she is very sure that no Gas (fro heating and water) was used upstairs.

Im not sure how it can leak if its only the heating etc - from what I have read I think its possibly a boiler issue

If's it not set up for zones,you're probably heating the whole house.

bored.ie.ie

I have no idea. The heating isnt on in the hallways only within my apartment.

My heating/ hot water is run from my house, so eg I can switch it on/ off set timer etc.

The apt upstairs has a seperate system to switch on/off the gas heating and water.

However both are run off of the same meter.

No one is or has been upstairs in this time so I am not sure that is the issue.

Also I checked this morning that 22 units were used between monday night and this morning at 730am. I could have only had it on for 7 hours in total, when I switched off my Gas the meter stopped.

goldenhoarde

com1 wrote: »

If you turned the gas off at the meter you are NOT checking for leaks. You need to leave the gas on at the meter and turn off ALL of your gas appliances. By the way if the meter moves at all when you do this ring 1850 20 50 50 immediately (if it were me I would leave the apartment first) do not ring your landlord and expect them to do it for you. Gas leaks in apartment blocks are extremely bad news. Remember the leaking gas is going somewhere

As com1 has pointed out if you have turned it off at the meter you won't see if there is a leak. And also as com1 has pointed out if it is leaking get out, switch off at meter and contact the Emergency line

housetypeb wrote: »

If's it not set up for zones,you're probably heating the whole house.

As housetypeb says you could be heating the whole house. if its two apartments there should be two meters. The LL probably won't admit to leaving something on. The rads in her apartment if its the one system would need to be off. do you have access to this apartment to check?

Do you get a bill in your own name or does the landlord tell you the amount owing?

goldenhoarde

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

Also I checked this morning that 22 units were used between monday night and this morning at 730am. I could have only had it on for 7 hours in total, when I switched off my Gas the meter stopped.

don't switch off the meter as you need the gas flowing when all appliances are off to see if the meter is still spinning which will indicate

1) something is using gas or 2) A LEAK

Michael D Not Higgins

Something using gas in the other flat sounds a lot more reasonable and likely.

bored.ie.ie

I switched the heating etc off to see if the meter still turns. I wasnt even aware you could switch off a meter. (I meant switched off my heating and water)

The apt upstairs is accessible and nothing is CURRENTLY On.

If its heating and water, where would the leak be from?

bored.ie.ie

The gas is off upstairs.

which doesnt explain the use of 22 units in less than two days does it!?

Rasmus

Any chance the LL was in the other apartment over the last billing period and accidentally let something on?

bored.ie.ie

No she was gone but there were builders in. The heating etc is off upstairs so its not happening at the moment.

also since I checked it the units went up 22 and I know they have nothing on upstairs so I think it must be a boiler issue

BabySlam

I found using the boiler Boost function used more gas than leaving it on for a long time on a low temp.

com1

Did I read correctly that you had all of your appliances switched off and you still used 22 units in the last couple of days? Seriously, ring 1850 205050... do it now - Your boiler could be leaking, one of the feed pipes could be leaking - there could be gas buildups under floors, in walls, anywhere, just waiting for the right time to ignite and blow you, your apartment, the house and half the street to hell.

They will not blame you if they dont find a leak - they are actually quite good to deal with

Really... give them a call @ 1850 205050

bored.ie.ie

No no, it STOPPED moving when I switched it off.

22 units were used while heating was on, only for say 8 hours over about 36 hour period!

bored.ie.ie

I spoke to the LL last night and other than getting a bit of abuse, she is going to "talk" to a few people and then "take her time" to get it sorted. So she is sending round the guy that installed it. When I dont know.

Shes Very Very hard to deal with.

Rasmus

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

I spoke to the LL last night and other than getting a bit of abuse, she is going to "talk" to a few people and then "take her time" to get it sorted. So she is sending round the guy that installed it. When I dont know.

Shes Very Very hard to deal with.

Geez good luck with it. That sounds way out of order on the LL's part.

Michael D Not Higgins

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

I spoke to the LL last night and other than getting a bit of abuse, she is going to "talk" to a few people and then "take her time" to get it sorted. So she is sending round the guy that installed it. When I dont know.

Shes Very Very hard to deal with.

Do you have her email address? Write her an email as a follow up to the phonecall and outline that she agreed to have someone look at it and give a time when you expect this to be done. Give your concerns over the safety in case of a leak or problem with the boiler. This at least gives you a paper trail.

bored.ie.ie

she told me "go move in with your mother for a few days" - my mother is undergoing Chemo treatment, which the LL knows!!

Im bulling.

She says she will sort it in her own time, the thing is usually she does all this and doesnt even consult me or tell me someone will be calling. She is a NIGHTMARE to deal with. Completely nuts, neurotic and down right rude.

bored.ie.ie

Yes I am doing that this morning, along with sending pictures of the meter and the speed it is turning.

I advised her that there are no obvious reasons etc but she still send me upstairs to check and is sending round her daughter to check. her daughter is a restaurateur so what she is going to be able to do I dont know.

I am going to be requesting to deal with the daughter from now on. Im still seething over her comments last night!

housetypeb

bored.ie.ie wrote: »

No she was gone but there were builders in. The heating etc is off upstairs so its not happening at the moment.

also since I checked it the units went up 22 and I know they have nothing on upstairs so I think it must be a boiler issue

What kind of work were the builders doing there? could be that they messed something up/changed settings etc.

vandriver

OP,for comparison,my latest gas bill arrived this morning. I have an old ,badly insulated 3 bed end of terrace house.My boiler provides heating(4 hours a day) and hot water.My usage was 352 m³ for 54 days or about 6.5 per day.The bill was €246.

bored.ie.ie

There you go.

Theres something seriously wrong here and its not like she is being very helpful