Cape Town’s unique energy challenges make gas appliances an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to create a more efficient, eco-friendly household.
And it doesn’t matter if you’re living in a suburban home, a beachfront cottage, or an apartment in the city, selecting the right gas appliance can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and provide you with much-needed energy independence in a country grappling with frequent load shedding and other power failures.
To help you get started with gas appliances, we’re going to show you how you can choose the ideal gas stove, heater, geyser, or braai setup to suit your home and lifestyle in Cape Town.
Choosing the Right Gas Stove
Gas stoves are a fantastic alternative to electric models, giving you greater control over heat and staying functional even during power outages.
But with Cape Town’s varied homes, which include compact apartments and large family residences, the size and design of your kitchen will play a role in selecting the best option.
- Apartments: Space-saving models like freestanding or slimline gas stoves are perfect for apartment living. They provide efficient cooking power without taking up too much room. Look for models with built-in safety features such as flame-failure devices.
- Suburban Homes: Larger kitchens in suburban homes can accommodate a full-sized gas hob and oven combination, giving you multiple burners and spacious ovens for family meals. For an added touch of convenience, you should have a look at models with a built-in electric oven for hybrid energy use when the power’s on.
- Energy Consideration: Gas stoves are more energy-efficient than electric ones, and they heat up immediately, reducing cooking times and saving both energy and money in the long run.
Gas Heaters for Every Home Size
Cape Town’s winters can be biting, especially with the crisp Atlantic winds that hit the city all throughout winter. Having a reliable and safe heating solution is a must and gas heaters can provide you with instant warmth without increasing your electricity bill.
- Small Spaces: For smaller homes or apartments, a portable gas heater is the ideal solution. These can be moved between rooms and are perfect for heating specific spaces quickly and efficiently. Just make sure to ventilate your room, as recommended by safety standards.
- Larger Homes: For larger homes, consider investing in a wall-mounted gas heater or a central gas heating system. These models can evenly heat several rooms, making them both convenient and cost-effective for bigger families or open-plan living areas.
Gas Geysers for Continuous Hot Water
In a city like Cape Town, where water-saving is always a concern, gas geysers can be an immensely efficient solution.
They only heat water as it’s needed, so you’re not wasting energy keeping a tank hot all day. This “on-demand” system can result in significant energy savings, particularly in homes where water usage is frequent and spread out throughout the day.
- Smaller Homes and Apartments: Instantaneous gas geysers, which only activate when a tap is turned on, are perfect for smaller households or apartments. They’re compact and can be installed outside, saving valuable indoor space.
- Larger Homes: Larger households with multiple bathrooms might benefit from installing a larger capacity gas geyser or multiple units to ensure everyone enjoys a warm shower without delays.
Gas for the Perfect Outdoor Setup
In Cape Town, braaiing is more than just a way to cook; it’s a lifestyle. While traditional wood or charcoal braais are always going to be popular, gas braais can be an excellent alternative, especially when time and convenience are priorities.
- Apartment Balconies: Small gas braais are ideal for apartment dwellers who may have limited outdoor space. They’re quick to light, clean-burning, and allowed on most apartment balconies where open flames might be restricted.
- Suburban Gardens: For larger outdoor areas, built-in gas braais can take your entertainment space to the next level. These setups allow you to enjoy an outdoor kitchen that’s ready to fire up in minutes, with no need to wait for coals to burn.
Safety Regulations and Installation Best Practices
In Cape Town, gas installations must adhere to strict safety regulations to ensure your home is both safe and compliant.
Whether you’re installing a gas stove, heater, or geyser, make sure your installer is a licensed professional registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa (LPGSASA).
Proper ventilation is also incredibly important, particularly for indoor gas appliances. Also, ensure regular maintenance of all gas appliances to prevent leaks and ensure efficient operation.
Long-Term Savings: Gas vs. Electricity
While the upfront cost of gas appliances may be slightly higher than electric alternatives, the long-term savings can be significant.
Gas is a more efficient energy source, and with the current instability in the electricity supply (not to mention the ever-increasing prices), the ability to continue cooking, heating, and enjoying hot water even during a power outage can make a big difference.
To calculate your potential savings, factor in the cost of gas (which fluctuates less than electricity), the lower energy consumption of gas appliances, and the fact that many gas systems have longer lifespans and fewer moving parts than their electric counterparts.
At Winelands Gas in Cape Town, we have all of the gas appliances to help you save money and energy. Contact us today for more information.