Switching From Electric to Gas at Home: What's Involved?

More South African households are moving their stoves, geysers and heating from electricity to LP gas. Here is what the switch involves.

Why people switch

• Load shedding: Gas appliances keep working when the power is out.
• Running costs: Gas appliances tend to cost less to run than their electric equivalents.
• Cooking and heating: Gas hobs heat up and respond instantly, and gas fireplaces and heaters warm a room quickly.

What can be converted?

Most homes can move to gas for hobs and stoves, geysers, fireplaces and braai points. Many people start with the kitchen and add more appliances later.

What does the installation involve?

1. Site inspection: we check your layout, where cylinders can safely go, ventilation and existing connections.
2. Quotation and design: a clear quote built around the appliances you want on gas.
3. Installation: licensed gas fitters install the pipework, regulator and cylinders. Fittings can be concealed in cupboards to keep the kitchen tidy.
4. Pressure testing and commissioning: the system is tested and every appliance checked.
5. Certificate of Compliance: issued when the job is complete.

A domestic stove or geyser installation is usually done within half a day to a day. We confirm the timeline when we quote.

What to plan for

• Gas needs a compliant installation and a Certificate of Compliance. Do not connect appliances yourself.
• Cylinders need to be placed and ventilated properly.
• Plan for a regular safety inspection; we recommend one every year for a home.
• Check which of your existing appliances can be converted and which need replacing. We assess this on the site visit.

Rental properties and multi-tenant homes

If you have several tenants on one property, prepaid LPG meters let each tenant's gas use be metered separately.