Gas appliances are well known for their efficiency and precise control, making them an exceptional choice for many Cape Town homes.
But even the most efficient system can be further optimised to help you save money on your gas bill.
Here are some clever tips to get the most out of your gas and keep those energy costs down:
Cooking Smart with Gas
Gas stove tops are one of the most popular gas appliances used in the home. While they are an excellent option when it comes to cutting back on your energy bill, there are a few other ways that you can cut the costs when you cook.
- Burner Size vs. Pot or Pan
Using the right size burner for your pot or pan is a must.
A small pan on a large burner wastes gas as the heat radiates out instead of being captured by the cookware. On the other hand, a large pot on a small burner means longer cooking times and wasted energy trying to bring the pot to temperature.
To save costs, use a burner size that closely matches the bottom diameter of your pan as this will improve the heat transfer.
- Use a Lid
Where possible, always use lids when cooking with gas.
Lids trap the heat inside the pot, accelerating cooking times and greatly reducing the amount of gas needed to reach your desired temperature. Think of a lid as a tiny heat shield, keeping the good stuff in and your energy bill down.
- Preheat Wisely
Preheating your oven is important for some dishes, but don’t overdo it.
Most ovens only need 5-10 minutes of preheating to reach the desired temperature. Resist the urge to preheat for longer as that extra time means wasted gas.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go
Once your food reaches its cooking temperature, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Most dishes don’t need a raging inferno to cook through. Low and slow cooking is not only gentler on your food, but it also uses significantly less gas.
- Leftovers are Your Friend
Did you know that reheating leftovers uses much less gas than cooking a whole new meal? If possible, plan your meals with leftovers in mind and enjoy the double benefit of delicious food and reduced energy consumption.
Aside from Cooking
Your stove might be one of your most regularly used cooking appliances, but it is not the only gas appliance that you can optimise. If you are looking to further reduce your gas bill, try this:
- Shorten your shower time! Even a few minutes saved can make a big difference in your gas hot water usage. You can even install a low-flow showerhead to further reduce water and gas consumption without sacrificing your satisfying shower experience.
- Don’t defrost food in the microwave or under hot running water. These methods not only waste energy, but they can also encourage bacterial growth. Instead, thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator overnight. This is a much more energy-efficient approach.
- Only boil the amount of water you actually need in your kettle. No need to heat a full kettle for just a single cup of tea. Heating less water uses less gas and will save you money in the long run.
Small changes in your home can really add up to big savings, both financially and environmentally! For more information about gas use or to buy gas products, contact Winelands Gas today.