Meter reading in Exeter
Professional meter reading services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
15 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Gas and electric meters read accurately with photos taken for your records. I'll submit the readings to your supplier if you want, or just give you the numbers - accurate bills instead of estimates.
Stop Paying For Energy You Haven't Used
Estimated bills are a lottery - sometimes in your favour, sometimes massively over what you've actually used. Regular accurate meter readings keep your bills honest.
But if your meters are down a trap door, in a locked cupboard, or you're just not confident reading them correctly, they don't get read - and the estimates keep coming.
💡 Pro tip: A year of estimated bills can lead to a massive catch-up payment when the meter finally gets read. Regular readings prevent nasty surprises.
Why Accurate Readings Matter
Here's what happens with estimated bills:
| ✅ Regular Accurate Readings | ❌ Estimated Bills |
|---|---|
| Bills match actual usage | Paying too much or building debt |
| No shock catch-up payments | Sudden huge bills when finally read |
| Can switch suppliers easily | Difficult to switch with estimates |
| Spot unusual usage immediately | Leaks or faults go unnoticed |
The Service
🔧 What I Do
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Locate | Find all your meters (gas, electric, Economy 7) |
| Read | Record readings accurately from all dials/displays |
| Photograph | Take clear dated photos of each meter |
| Submit | Send to your supplier (optional) or give you the info |
📦 You Receive
- Accurate readings for all meters
- Dated photos for your records
- Readings submitted to supplier (if requested)
- Peace of mind your bills are correct
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single visit meter reading | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Multiple properties same area | 15 mins each after first | £60 + £25 per extra |
| Regular monthly service | 15 mins | £60/month |
Perfect if you're managing rental properties or looking after an elderly relative's bills.
Perfect For...
✅ Awkward meter locations - trap doors, high cupboards, locked boxes
✅ Elderly relatives - you manage their bills remotely
✅ Holiday homes - avoid estimated bills while you're away
✅ Rental properties - accurate readings between tenants
✅ Before switching supplier - essential for accurate final bills
✅ Smart meters not working - they go 'dumb' more often than you'd think
Why Choose Us for Meter reading in Exeter?
Accurate readings - no more estimated bills
Photos taken of all meters for your records
Readings submitted to your supplier if needed
Works around your availability
What to Expect
Step 1: Access Check
I'll need to know where your meters are and whether there's a key needed. Most are in cupboards under stairs, outside in boxes, or in basements.
Step 2: Reading & Recording
All meters read carefully - I'll photograph each one showing the reading clearly with the date visible. If you've got Economy 7, I'll record both rates.
Step 3: Submission or Handover
Your choice - I can submit directly to your supplier (you'll need to give me account details), or send you photos and readings to submit yourself.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to read your own meters? Here's how to do it accurately:
🔧 Reading digital electric meters
- The display shows kWh (kilowatt hours)
- Write down all the numbers before the decimal point
- Ignore any numbers after a decimal point or in red
- Some cycle through different displays - wait for the one showing kWh
- Economy 7 shows two readings (day and night) - record both
📐 Reading dial meters (old style)
- Read left to right, ignoring the red dial
- If the pointer is between numbers, record the lower number
- If it's directly on a number, check the dial to its right:
- If that dial has passed 0, record the number
- If it hasn't, record the number below
- Dials alternate direction - read each carefully
💡 Reading gas meters
- Only read the first four numbers from left to right
- Ignore the red dial or any numbers in red boxes
- Reading is in cubic metres (later converted by your supplier)
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Reading the wrong meter (check the serial number matches your bill)
- Recording numbers after the decimal point
- Reading dial meters wrong (they're fiddly)
- Forgetting to read both rates on Economy 7
- Not taking a photo as proof
📸 Pro trick: Always photograph your meter reading with the date visible. If there's a dispute with your supplier, a dated photo is solid proof.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
📅 Monthly service: If you want regular readings without thinking about it, I can set up a monthly visit - same day each month, readings submitted automatically. Perfect for landlords or managing relatives' properties.
Multiple meters? Some older Exeter houses have electric meters in odd locations - one in the cupboard under the stairs, another in an outbuilding for a garage conversion. I'll find and read them all.
Smart meters gone dumb? It happens all the time, especially after switching supplier. I'll read them the old-fashioned way until they reconnect.
Moving house? Get accurate final readings on move-out day to avoid paying for the next occupant's energy. I can meet you at the property for handover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need someone to read my meters?
If your meters are in an awkward location (down a trap door, high up, locked cupboard), you're not mobile enough to access them easily, or you're away but want to avoid estimated bills - that's where this service helps. I read them accurately, photograph them, and can submit the readings directly to your supplier.
Can you read all types of meters?
Yes - old dial meters, modern digital ones, smart meters (when they're not being 'smart'), Economy 7 dual-rate meters, gas meters. If it's counting your usage, I can read it and record it properly.
Do you submit the readings to my energy supplier?
I can do, yes. Just give me your account details and I'll submit them online or via phone. Or I'll send you clear photos and the readings so you can do it yourself - whatever's easier.
How do I know the reading is accurate?
I take clear, dated photos of every meter with the reading visible, and write down exactly what I've read. You get copies of everything - complete transparency so you know exactly what's being billed.
What if my meter is in a really awkward spot?
I've read meters in every awkward location imaginable - under floorboards, in locked cupboards, up ladders in garages, behind boilers. If you've got the key or access, I'll get to it safely.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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