LPG Usage 101:
Essential Guide for South African Homes & Businesses
By Ubuntu Gas
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is quickly becoming the go-to alternative energy source for households and businesses around South Africa. Whether you're transitioning from unreliable grid power during load shedding or simply looking for a more efficient and cost-effective fuel option for your home in South Africa, this guide is designed to help you understand LPG and get started confidently.
What is LPG and Why Consider It?
LPG is a clean-burning fuel commonly used for cooking, heating, and even powering certain appliances. Here's why LPG stands out:
Reliable Energy Source
Unlike electricity that can be disrupted by load shedding, LPG offers consistent performance, ensuring your home or business remains powered. In our experience working with hundreds of South African households, having gas available during power outages has become essential, where outages can be frequent.
Cost-Effective Solution
With fluctuating electricity prices, many users find that LPG offers a more predictable and often lower monthly cost. A typical South African family can save between 10-15% on their monthly energy bills by using gas for cooking instead of electricity.
Environmental Benefits
LPG burns more cleanly compared to other fossil fuels, resulting in lower emissions and a reduced carbon footprint. It produces approximately 20% less CO₂ than oil heating and up to 50% less than coal.
Versatility for Every Need
Available in various cylinder sizes, LPG can be tailored to suit different needs, from small residential setups to larger commercial operations. At Ubuntu Gas, our most commonly requested cylinder for new customers is the 9kg option, which typically suits a family of four for approximately 3 weeks of cooking.
Getting Started with LPG
Making the switch to LPG is easier than you might think. Here are the key steps to get you started:
1. Assess Your Energy Needs
Before purchasing, consider:
• Usage Frequency: How often do you use gas for cooking, heating, or other purposes?
Daily cooking for a family will require a different setup than occasional use.
• Appliance Requirements: Identify which appliances will be using LPG.
Common applications include stoves, water heaters, heaters, and generators.
• Space and Storage: Evaluate the available space for safely storing a gas cylinder.
Remember that cylinders must be kept in well-ventilated areas, away from direct sunlight.
2. Choosing the Right Cylinder
At Ubuntu Gas, we offer LPG cylinders in five sizes to cater to diverse needs. To help you decide:
Cylinder Sizes Available:
• 5kg - Perfect for single-person households or occasional use
• 9kg - Ideal for small families using gas for daily cooking
• 14kg - Great for medium-sized families with regular usage
• 19kg - Suitable for larger families or multiple appliance usage
• 48kg - Best for commercial applications or whole-house systems
Not sure what you need?
Our customer service team is available to provide personalised advice if you're unsure which size fits your lifestyle best - give us a call.
With ongoing load shedding challenges across South Africa, many households across South Africa are discovering the benefits of having an uninterrupted gas supply. Most of our new customers start with a 9kg cylinder and then adjust based on their actual usage patterns.
3. Installation and Setup
Proper installation is crucial for safety and efficiency:
• Professional Installation: We recommend using a certified technician to install your LPG system, ensuring all safety protocols are met. While LPG is incredibly safe when properly installed, always ensure your system is set up by a qualified technician who follows South African safety standards.
• Safety Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with basic safety measures, such as keeping the cylinder in a well-ventilated area and checking for leaks before use. A simple soap-water solution can help detect leaks around connections.
Practical Tips for Transitioning to LPG
Transitioning to LPG can be seamless with the right approach. Here are some practical tips to make your switch as smooth as possible:
Embrace the Change Gradually
• Start Small: If you're new to LPG, consider starting with one appliance, like your cooking stove. Once you're comfortable, you can expand to other uses like water heating or space heating. This approach has worked well for many of our first-time customers.
• Monitor Your Usage: Keep an eye on your consumption to help you plan for future refills and adjust your usage habits if necessary. Many customers find that a 9kg cylinder lasts 3-4 weeks for cooking only.
Prioritize Safety
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance checks for your LPG system to ensure it remains in top condition. We recommend a safety check at least once a year.
• Emergency Preparedness: Know what to do if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Always have the contact details of a trusted service provider handy. The distinctive smell of LPG (like rotten eggs) is added deliberately as a safety feature to help detect leaks.
Learn and Engage
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to reach out to our support team if you have any doubts about using LPG or need advice on optimizing your energy consumption. We're here to help South African households make the most of their gas systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LPG cylinder cost in South Africa?
Prices vary by size and location, but typically range from R350-R650 for a 9kg cylinder, plus the cost of gas. At Ubuntu Gas, we offer competitive pricing and refill options.
Is it safe to use LPG indoors?
Yes, LPG is safe for indoor use when proper ventilation is maintained and the installation meets South African safety standards. Always ensure your appliances are designed for indoor use.
How long does a 9kg gas cylinder last?
For a family of four using gas for cooking daily, a 9kg cylinder typically lasts 3-4 weeks. Usage varies based on cooking frequency and the efficiency of your appliances.
What's better - exchange or refill?
Both options have benefits. Exchange programs ensure you always receive a properly maintained cylinder, while refilling can sometimes be more cost-effective. Ubuntu Gas offers both services to meet your preference.
Can I install an LPG system myself?
While small portable setups can be self-installed, we strongly recommend professional installation for safety and compliance with South African regulations, especially for systems larger than 9kg.
Conclusion
Switching to LPG is a smart, reliable, and cost-effective solution that can transform your daily life, keeping you safe, saving you money, and ensuring you have a consistent energy source during South Africa's unpredictable load shedding. By understanding your needs, choosing the right cylinder, and following best practices for installation and maintenance, you're well on your way to enjoying all the benefits LPG has to offer.
We've helped thousands of South African households make the switch to reliable LPG over the past decade, and we're here to support you at every step of your journey. Have questions about getting started? Our team is just a call away.
Ready to make the switch? Visit our shop page and explore our range of LPG cylinders. If you have questions or need further guidance, our dedicated team is here to help every step of the way.
Learn more about keeping your system in top condition by reading our guide on LPG Safety Measures.
