10 ways to make your gas last longer

Gas usage is increasing in South Africa. No longer is gas just used for cooking appliances, but many homes are now using gas geysers, heaters, and even air conditioners. 

Read: Gas safety around the home

Although gas costs a bit less than electricity, it is still not cheap. If you are looking at ways to make your gas last longer and ways that can help you save a little bit more on your gas bill, we’ve got you covered. 

- The first step in ensuring that your gas lasts longer is to check that there are no leaks. Leaks mean you’ll be losing quite a bit of gas, but it also increases the risk of fire and explosions in your home. If you suspect any leaks, call a certified inspector to investigate immediately. Watch this video below for tips on how to check for gas leaks in your home.

 - Ensure that your gas geyser is set on the right temperature. It does not make sense to set your water temperature to maximum and then add cold water to cool it to the right temperature. Setting the right temperature helps optimise your gas usage and get the best performance out of your geyser.

- Switch off your gas geyser when you are done using hot water.

- Invest in a small burner stove. A small burner stove consumes less gas than a bigger one. 

- When using a gas stove, ensure that everything you need for cooking is well prepared and within reach. This includes your pots and all your ingredients. Having things within reach will eliminate leaving the gas stove on while you try and get what is needed. 

- Use a pressure cooker. It is faster and will save you gas. You can even use separators in the pressure cooker to cook different items at the same time to save gas.

- Cover your cooking vessels with a lid. Open vessels lose heat to the atmosphere which makes the cooking take longer. 

- With a gas oven, you don't need to heat the oven before putting food inside because it doesn't take long to heat up. Save gas by placing food in the oven the same time you switch it on. 

- Make your gas last longer by turning the oven off just before the food is done. The oven should still be heated for a few minutes even after you have switched it off. 

- Heat water to the right temperature. Many of us make the mistake of boiling water only to cool it off later or dilute it with cold water. Heating your water to the right temperature will save you gas.

 Elcon Gaz is the leading supplier of Industrial and LP Gas to the industry in KZN. Their customers include companies in the Manufacturing, Steel Fabrication, General Engineering, Construction, Transport & Hospitality industries. Contact them on 031 465 1084 or visit their website www.elcongas.co.za for more information. 

Also read: Six uses for gas in your home