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windpang
09-05-2009, 01:08 AM
Hi all,

I need some advice... I'm buying a two-family house. However, this two-family house has 1 gas meter, with 2 gas furnaces. Basically, the original owner of the house occupied the entire house with his family. That's why 1 gas meter was not a problem for him. But it's going to be a problem for me. I plan to rent out one of the apartments. The tenant will be able to adjust his own heat setting while I need to pay for his gas.

I plan to install a second gas meter. I asked several licensed plumbers to come and take a look. I get some conflicting advices. I was told that I will need to file an application to the Building Department and get the permit first. Then the licensed plumber will do the job and at the end, get the gas company (in my case, it's Con Ed) to sign off and install the new meter. The conflicting part is, some plumbers told me that I must have an architectural drawing in order to file the application in the Building Department. But some plumbers told me that since this is a legal two-family house, installing the second gas meter does not require the architectural drawing.

What do you guys think? This makes a difference as the architectural drawing costs few thousand dollars. Any comments/suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

beenthere
09-05-2009, 05:36 AM
Go to the your building permit department, and ask them what is really needed.

fixitguy
09-05-2009, 02:29 PM
The gas piping on "your" side of the meter is yours. A mechanical permit is all thats required in most places to change your piping for a submeter. Check with your local county inspectors.

There are a few companies that make nice small submeters. Some can be purchased on auction websites... Get your HVAC gas piper guy to put it in..
Many are calibrated for cubic meters, but its not hard to find cubic foot ones now.
Some research will solve your situation.

Cold Feet
09-05-2009, 04:59 PM
It may not be legal to use a privately owned submeter to bill a tenant for utility usage. Consult whichever authority regulates rental housing in your area.