Loadshedding getting you down? Switch to gas and get cookin’!
We are all familiar by now with the dreaded electricity load-shedding schedules which plague South Africa, and with winter fast approaching, the demand on the electricity grid will increase heavily as homeowners and commercial premises try to maintain a warmer environment. We also have to start thinking of alternative ways to cook and heat our homes, and one of the most obvious methods is through the use of gas.
Always use the right people for the job
Gas is becoming more and more popular in both private and commercial use, and there is a steadily increasing number of gas appliances coming onto the market for both heating and cooking. Even so, when one thinks of gas, the first thought is about the safety of using this substance. Gas is highly flammable and dangerous when used carelessly, but home gas appliances are designed for maximum protection during use. This safety factor extends to the installation, maintenance and repair of gas appliances. There is a very good reason why we have specialists to fit, install and repair gas fittings and appliances, as there are specific safety protocols which have to be followed where gas appliances are concerned. In the case of outdoor gas heaters, for instance, an experienced installer will ensure that such appliances are not positioned indoors where dangerous carbon monoxide may be released into enclosed surroundings.
Qualified gas installation and fitting specialists are regulated by SANS
All gas installation and fitting specialists work according to the gas installation regulations of the South African National Standards (SANS), so you can be sure that your connections and appliances are installed and serviced to the highest safety standards. It is possible that a plumber could quite safely connect up your gas lines, as he will also be aware of the safety protocols, but your first choice should always be a specialist in the field.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of a gas leak
The gas which is used in South Africa is LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which alone is odourless, but a chemical odorant additive called Ethyl Mercaptan is added to the gas so that it can be detected if there is a gas leak.
This odorant gives off a smell similar to garlic, cooked cabbage, leeks or onions. If you are not cooking but can nonetheless smell this rather unpleasant odour, call for a gas specialist to check your gas connections. Over time, rubber gaskets may become brittle and cracked, gas cylinders can rust and regulators can become defective, which could lead to unknown leaks. You will find plenty of useful information about the safe use of gas on the “Arrivealive.co.za” website, which highly recommends that all gas appliances and their outlets be inspected for wear and tear every year or two by qualified gas installation specialists. This includes furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys and gas lines. If you are new to using gas in any appliance, whether for cooking or heating, take the time to get all the information you can by checking your concerns with your gas installation specialist.
How do I find the right gas installation and fitting specialist?
Check their online ratings and customer reviews
It is becoming clear that gas appliances are becoming more popular in South Africa, and it makes sense that the specialists who are responsible for installing and repairing these appliances are also becoming more visible, especially in online searches. You will find a search site such as Uptasker is a tremendous help in finding the right specialist in your area, as Uptasker lists in geographical locations, which saves a whole lot of time.
Also be sure to read the online ratings and customer reviews which are posted, as these will give you a very good indicator of the type of service you can expect from any potential supplier. This site also makes it easy for you to obtain comparative quotes online from one central point. If you are not an internet fan, you can easily find these specialists through the Yellow Pages or through flyers which may offer specials at certain times. Gas supply outlets are also a mine of information on suppliers they recommend. The ever-present House and Home magazines and catalogues will also give you a range of suppliers, and gas appliance suppliers will also know of many specialists in this field.
