How Long Will Your Home Gas Bottle Really Last?

Over the years, and especially since the start of extreme loadshedding, gas bottles and appliances have become a vital part of many South African homes. It makes our much-needed morning coffee, evening meals, and everything in between possible.

As a gas company in centurion we understand that gas bottles don’t always give the most obvious signs when they’re running low. Instead, they tend to simply cut out, and usually at the worst times, such as mid shower on a cold winter morning! To minimise the risk of your gas supply suddenly going MIA, there are some things that you can do.

Understanding your Gas Bottle

Gas bottles come in various sizes. Here in South Africa, the most common sizes for home use are 4kg, 9kg, 14kg, and 19kg. As you might guess, the bigger the bottle, the longer it’ll last.

But how much longer exactly?

To give you a rough idea, we’ve put together a handy table (remember, these are estimates, and your actual usage may vary!):

Gas Bottle Size (kg)                       Estimated Burning Time (Based on Average Burner BTU)

4kg                                                      Up to 12 hours

9kg                                                      Up to 24 hours

14kg                                                   Up to 36 hours

19kg                                                   Up to 48 hours

The Telltale Signs that your Gas Bottle is about to Run Out

Now, knowing the estimated lifespan is great, but what happens when your trusty bottle starts running low? It is generally something that happens quickly, but if you know what to look for, you will be given a few clues that it is time for a refill:

• The Flame’s Running Low: If your once-powerful burner flame looks like it’s lost its shrinking in size and struggling to heat your pot, it might be time for a refill. A weak flame can also lead to longer cooking times.
• Suddenly Slow Cooking: Is your food taking forever to cook? A dwindling gas supply could be the culprit. Remember, even a slight decrease in burner efficiency can significantly impact cooking times.
• Hissing: Sometimes, a hissing sound from the burner area can indicate a low gas pressure due to an emptying bottle. However, be sure to check for leaks first (remember the soap bubble test!) before assuming it’s just a gas shortage. A leak can be a serious safety hazard, and should be seen to immediately.

Extending the Use of your Gas Supply

While the size of the bottle plays a major role, there are ways to maximise the lifespan of your gas supply:

• Match the Pot to the Burner: Using the right size pot for your burner ensures efficient heat distribution and it minimises wasted gas.
• Keep Lids On: Trapping heat with a lid significantly reduces cooking times, which in turn saves gas.
• Low and Slow: Unless you’re boiling water, high heat settings aren’t always necessary. Many dishes can be cooked just as effectively on a lower setting, saving gas in the process.

Be Prepared so You Don’t Run Empty

When you suspect that your bottle might be running low, you must keep an eye out for the telltale signs, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a spare gas bottle in storage, just in case.

Need a refill for your gas? Contact Budget Gas today for a safe, affordable and convenient gas service.