Gas And Petrol ?

[vieome]

So decided to install a gas geyser, it works like a charm and added to that it has brought down my electric bill by 50%. So that was one problem sorted, only to find there is a shortage of gas now and to top that up a shortage of Fuel. It could be that suppliers did not forsee the increase in demand given more people are using generators, and gas appliances, but one wonders if this is the state of things to come. If anything this shows that who ever is in charge of the big suppliers does not have the forsight to run such companies.

Edit: Just have to add that there is also an electricity shortage.
Rand to Dollar in January $1=R11.55
August $1 =R12.75
Eventually will will hit a point of no return.

[Dave A]

So decided to install a gas geyser, it works like a charm and added to that it has brought down my electric bill by 50%.

In money terms, how did that savings in your electricity bill compare to your new expense on gas?

[CLIVE-TRIANGLE]

There is an LPG shortage every July. Local refineries have maintenance shutdowns during winter and it is up to others to take up the slack with imports.

The additional advantage your conversion to gas affords, is that you can of course store it, unlike electricity . You just need to remember in future to double up for winter.

[HR Solutions]

I definitely think this is the way to go. Have also done some homework on it and am ready to do it. I really like the idea that it only gets hot up when you start running the shower for example and that it is linked to your existing geyser so that if you run out of gas you can switch over back to electricity.
I have also recently invested in an inverter - that was the best investment ever. I do not have it linked to my db board, but have my tv room working with lights etc and then have a few gas lights and rechargeable lights scattered over the house. Unfortunately this problem is not going away in the near future, but the more I can get off the grid the better. I now do not dread load shedding.

[vieome]

In money terms, how did that savings in your electricity bill compare to your new expense on gas?

Electric Bill was R2000.00 per month am now paying R1000.00. Gas 19kg last one month @R400.00 so I guess total saving is R600 per month.

@CLIVE-TRIANGLE thanks for the info.

@HR true story, it is the way to go. Got small inverter runs 6 lights(I dont watch much tv). Gas Stove, Gas Geyser and the power cuts are no longer a stress. I want to install solar geyser next and get a solar panel to charge inverter battery.

[HR Solutions]

Yep and then Eskom can go ........................

[IanF]

I have been trying to get a 9kg gas cylinder in Joburg south for 2 days and no luck. Luckily the weather has warmed up.

[Phil Cooper]

I installed gas some time back.

I have two cylinders (49kg) - linked to a switch over.

They last 5-6 months.

As soon as one is empty, I flip over, and order a replacement for empty one. As long as they are not out for over 5 months it is not a hassle....

[tec0]

Got a little something going that you will like but i am yet to figure out the electronics... Anyhow GAS in my area is not expensive at all, Got my 8KG filled up for R120. If you work it out i pay about 15Rand per 1kg. But i think that did change... i need to do a refill next week will give you new price then. Generator on the other hand yea all i can say is go Diesel... Yes it is louder and yes it is heavy but well worth it... I know you do get "gas" generators i haven't tried one yet friend of mine owns one he tells me it goes for a very long time on 3kg of gas but i don't know his running times maybe something worth exploring.

i was stupid installed a gas water-heater that is way to small, am upgrading to a 16L per minute one "if i am not mistaken" cost is not high on it. Found one going for about R4.5k That is not bad. But was told that you do get them for a bit cheaper still.

But it must be installed on the outside away from drains and windows/doors and must be inspected? Did you get the same installation guidelines?

[Phil Cooper]

Hi

Yes - there are strict guidelines re distance from doors, electricity boxes and the like.

You need gas clearance certificate when installed - if not, (a) it is unlawful, and (b) if it does malfunction your house insurance will decline your claim.

[HR Solutions]

Got a little something going that you will like but i am yet to figure out the electronics... Anyhow GAS in my area is not expensive at all, Got my 8KG filled up for R120. If you work it out i pay about 15cent per 1kg. But i think that did change... i need to do a refill next week will give you new price then. Generator on the other hand yea all i can say is go Diesel... Yes it is louder and yes it is heavy but well worth it... I know you do get "gas" generators i haven't tried one yet friend of mine owns one he tells me it goes for a very long time on 3kg of gas but i don't know his running times maybe something worth exploring.

i was stupid installed a gas water-heater that is way to small, am upgrading to a 16L per minute one "if i am not mistaken" cost is not high on it. Found one going for about R4.5k That is not bad. But was told that you do get them for a bit cheaper still.

But it must be installed on the outside away from drains and windows/doors and must be inspected? Did you get the same installation guidelines?

15c per 1kg does not work out to R120 for 8kg !!!!!

[Justloadit]

I think he meant R15 a KG = 120/8 = 15

1KG of gas is equivalent to 1L of petrol.

I usually pay R190 for 9KG, much higher.

Maybe 'gasification' is the solution, where 1.5KG of wood will produce 1m^3 of gas which when compressed will weigh 1KG.

It is fairly easier to make the gasification tank and scrubber, just need some time and a workshop. There are a number of plans on the net showing how to make the system.

[tec0]

I think he meant R15 a KG = 120/8 = 15

1KG of gas is equivalent to 1L of petrol.

I usually pay R190 for 9KG, much higher.

Maybe 'gasification' is the solution, where 1.5KG of wood will produce 1m^3 of gas which when compressed will weigh 1KG.

It is fairly easier to make the gasification tank and scrubber, just need some time and a workshop. There are a number of plans on the net showing how to make the system.

i made the correction accordingly, sorry bout that it is called "going without sleep for nearly 40 hours" The brain does get tired eventually. As far as i know certification is needed on gas but is worried about theft. There are reports of gas cylinders themselves are being targeted for theft. Not just where i live but many other areas. So was looking into using expanded metal mesh to maybe fabricate some kind of a cover that can be locked securely.

It will also stop people from tampering with it messing around with it. I don't know if this is allowed or not ?? Any ideas on that?

[wynn]

A galvanized adjustable plate metal bracket bolted to the wall with a locking device to prevent theft of the gas tank.

the bracket protrudes the correct distance and is hooked at the bottom to receive the lower rim and weight of the tank, is bolted with heavy duty rawl or similar bolts to the area behind the tank to prevent fiddling when the tank is mounted and a curved adjustable section at the top which drops into the top rim to firmly fix the cylinder in place, this has a locking device (Padlock or similar with protection shield)

Can be designed to adjust and accept 9 and 18 Kg or larger tanks as required, so if 18 is normal and only 9 is available no problem.

[HR Solutions]

As far as I know gas containers HAVE to be kept in a ventilated lockable cage.