When it comes to managing utility usage in residential and commercial properties, submeters play a crucial role. Submeters allow property owners and managers to measure individual utility consumption, which can lead to more accurate billing and better resource management. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of submeters, their applications, and the advantages they offer.

Types of Submeters

Water Submeters

Water submeters are essential for measuring water usage in individual units within a property. There are three primary applications for water submeters:

• Full Capture: This method measures all the water going into a unit, similar to a single-family residence with a water meter at the street. Typically, a standard residential apartment will have a 3/4-inch cold water meter.
• Hot and Cold Water Meters: In mid-rise and high-rise buildings with boiler systems, hot water is heated centrally and then distributed to units. Each unit requires both a hot and cold-water meter, usually 3/4 inch, to measure usage accurately.
• Hot Water Allocation: This method measures only the cold-water inlet to the hot water heater in each unit. The usage is then multiplied by a factor (e.g., 4) to estimate total water usage. This is common in garden-style apartments where full capture isn't feasible due to plumbing configurations.

Gas Submeters

Gas submeters are used to measure gas consumption in individual units. However, due to various regulations, their application can be limited. For instance, in California, gas submeters cannot be installed in properties built after 1981. An alternative to gas submeters is the use of runtime devices, which measure the operation time of gas appliances to estimate usage.

Electric Submeters

Electric submeters measure electricity consumption in individual units. Similar to gas submeters, their application can be restricted by regulations. For example, in California, electric submeters cannot be installed in properties built after 1981. Despite these limitations, electric submeters are crucial for capturing accurate usage data, especially in properties with high electricity consumption.

Residential vs. Commercial Applications

Residential

In residential properties, submeters are typically used to measure water, gas, and electricity usage in individual units. The primary difference between residential and commercial applications is the size and capacity of the submeters. Residential submeters are generally smaller and designed to handle lower volumes and loads.

Commercial

Commercial properties, such as retail strip malls, have different requirements for submeters. These properties often have fewer common areas for installing repeaters or data collectors. Tehama offers solutions like the MAX range product and outdoor repeaters, which are specifically designed for commercial applications. These solutions are weatherproof and can withstand outdoor conditions, unlike some competitors' products.

Advantages of Submeters

Cost Savings

Submeters can lead to significant cost savings by providing accurate usage data, which allows for precise billing. For example, Tahama's dual-port transmitter reduces the need for multiple devices, leading to lower equipment and maintenance costs.

Regulatory Compliance

In some regions, submetering is mandatory. For instance, California and Washington require submetering for certain utilities. Submeters help property owners comply with these regulations and avoid penalties.

To understand the specific submetering regulations in various states, read our comprehensive guide, 'State Submetering Regulations: What You Need to Know.'

Improved Resource Management

By measuring individual utility consumption, submeters enable property owners and managers to identify areas of high usage and implement measures to reduce consumption. This can lead to more efficient resource management and lower utility bills.

Conclusion

Submeters are essential tools for managing utility usage in both residential and commercial properties. They provide accurate usage data, enable precise billing, and help property owners comply with regulations. Whether you're dealing with water, gas, or electricity, choosing the right submeter for your application can lead to significant cost savings and improved resource management.

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