Installer gives tips for gas installation
Households can have one less thing to worry about during load-shedding by switching to gas.
The country is faced with load-shedding and the cost of living seems to be increasing.
People are looking at alternative means to beat the blackouts without spending too much money in the process.
Melusi Jamela, a qualified gas installer based in Springs, discussed the advantages of having gas appliances at home.
“Gas is a cheaper source of energy that cooks and heats things up faster than electricity, wood or coal. It also has no inconvenience of load-shedding.”
He adds that in order to have an installation, there are a few things you need.
“When an installation is done by a qualified installer and when the job is done, you will be issued with a certificate of conformity. It is a certificate to show that your installation was done by a professional for safety and insurance reasons.”
He also mentions that a household would need to have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket on the premises.
“The end goal is to have a well-ventilated place, well-maintained appliances and undamaged cylinders.”
Jamela says caution must always be practised, especially when operating gas appliances around children.
“Like anything, the safety of your loved ones must always be prioritised. Having compliant appliances, having safety valves so you can cut off the gas and teaching the children about the dangers of handling gas is very important.
“Cylinders need to be secured either with a cage or a chain so that they don’t keel over and it’s safer for children so they don’t have access to it.”
When asked how a person should know when to refill their cylinders or exchange them for new ones, he said there are ways you can determine that.
“Usually the cylinder feels lighter. There are also magnetic stickers available that can determine your usage and they can usually indicate when you need to refill.”
He adds that changing a cylinder is determined by its condition.
“If it doesn’t leak, and if kept in good condition, then it could take longer to replace.
“An outside and inside cylinder are exposed to different conditions and elements so it would be wise to have it inspected or replaced as soon as you feel that it has run its course.”
Jamela says a household can run on one or more cylinders.
“You can have one cylinder that runs the whole house. The size will be determined by use and consumption.
Larger cylinders need other permissions from organisations such as the fire department and have their own process of application.”
When asked about the concerns with regards to smelling gas around the whole house, Jamela emphasised the need for a well-ventilated house as gas burns through oxygen in its surrounding environment.
“When gas smells, it is usually an indicator that there is a leak or it has not been sealed and should be checked out. Working with gas shouldn’t make your house smell.”
He mentions why the gas has such a distinct scent.
“Gas is odourless so they mix it in with a chemical for leaks to be detected. It would be a health hazard if there was no way to determine that gas is leaking and spreading into the whole house.”
He says people must always keep vigilant when working with gas appliances.
“Appliances need to have their own individual safety valve in order for the flow of gas to be cut off should a problem arise.”
