Switching From Electric to Gas: A Real Example

A switching from electric to gas example is most useful when it reflects the way people actually live: school-night cooking, hot water for a busy household, and the need to keep going when electricity is unavailable. For many homes in Pretoria, Centurion, Hartbeespoort, Brits and Lanseria, LPG is not about replacing every electrical appliance. It is about moving the jobs where gas makes the biggest practical difference.

Consider a family of four in Centurion. Their electric hob and oven are used twice a day, their electric geyser runs constantly, and they enjoy weekend braais. After repeated power interruptions and rising electricity costs, they decide to move cooking and selected hot-water demand to gas. Here is what that change can look like, what it costs in practice, and where careful planning matters.

Switching from electric to gas: the household example

The family starts with the kitchen. Their electric hob is removed and replaced with a four-burner gas hob, while they keep their electric built-in oven. This is a common and sensible first step. A gas hob gives immediate heat and works during an outage, while keeping the oven avoids the higher cost of replacing an appliance that is still in good condition.

They also install a gas geyser to serve the main bathroom and kitchen. Rather than heating a large tank of water throughout the day, the gas geyser heats water when a tap is opened. The result is reliable hot water, provided the cylinder has gas and the unit is correctly sized for the number of outlets likely to run at once.

For outdoor cooking, they retain a portable braai connection. The home already has a suitable outdoor space for the gas cylinders, so the installer can position them upright, accessible and away from ignition sources. A proper pipe run then supplies the hob and geyser from the external cylinder bank.

This household does not switch everything to gas. Their lighting, fridge, washing machine, kettle and oven remain electric. That is often the best balance. LPG delivers the strongest day-to-day value where fast, controllable heat and power-outage resilience matter most.

Choosing the right cylinder size

Cylinder size should be based on how the household will use gas, not simply on the biggest bottle available. A 9kg cylinder can be a practical choice for a small flat, a single gas hob or a portable braai. For a family using a hob daily, a 19kg cylinder usually offers a better refill interval.

In this example, the family uses a 48kg cylinder for the gas geyser and a 19kg cylinder for the hob. The larger cylinder suits the higher, more regular demand of hot water, while the separate cooking supply gives them flexibility. If one appliance needs attention, the other is not automatically affected.

Some households prefer two cylinders connected through a changeover arrangement. This can reduce the risk of running out at an inconvenient time because the second cylinder is ready when the first is empty. It costs more upfront, but it can make sense for larger families, guest accommodation, salons, small offices or any property where hot water cannot wait.

Actual consumption varies. A household with short showers, a modest cooking routine and one bathroom will use less LPG than a home with teenagers, long showers, frequent entertaining and multiple bathrooms. Cylinder size is therefore a planning decision, not a promise about exactly how many weeks a refill will last.

What the installation involves

Moving from electricity to gas is not a job for guesswork. The family in this example books a certified gas installation rather than asking a general handyman to connect appliances. The installer checks the appliance specifications, gas demand, ventilation, location of cylinders, route of the pipework and the correct regulators and safety valves.

The hob needs a compatible gas connection and correct burner jets. The gas geyser needs suitable ventilation, a safe flue arrangement where required, and a location that allows for proper operation and servicing. Cylinders must remain outside in a compliant position, standing upright and protected from damage. They should not be stored in a garage, enclosed cupboard or poorly ventilated area.

After the work is complete, the installation should be pressure-tested for leaks and the homeowner should receive the relevant compliance documentation. This paperwork matters. It gives you proof that the work was completed by an authorised installer and may be needed when selling a property, making an insurance claim or responding to an estate requirement.

A professional installation is not just about meeting a rule. It protects the household, ensures appliances perform properly and avoids the frustration of weak flames, inconsistent hot water or avoidable gas loss.

Understanding the costs before you switch

The upfront cost of switching from electric to gas usually includes the appliances, cylinders or deposits, regulators, valves, copper pipework, installation labour and certification. The total depends heavily on the distance between the cylinder position and each appliance, the number of gas points and whether the property needs alterations.

For this family, replacing the hob is the lower-cost part of the project. Adding a gas geyser and external pipework is a larger investment, but it also changes how the household manages hot water. It is worth asking for a clear quotation that separates equipment from installation so you can see what you are paying for.

Running costs are equally dependent on use. LPG prices can change, and gas consumption rises in winter when water entering the geyser is colder. A gas geyser may also use more fuel if it is oversized for the setting, runs at excessive temperature or supplies long, poorly insulated pipe runs.

The fair comparison is not simply gas bottle price versus electricity bill. Think about what you gain: cooking during power interruptions, temperature control on the hob, on-demand hot water and less dependence on an electric geyser. For some households, those benefits justify the setup cost quickly. For others, switching only the hob and braai first may be the more sensible route.

The trade-offs to consider

Gas is dependable only when you manage supply. Unlike electricity from a wall socket, LPG must be ordered and delivered or exchanged before the cylinder is empty. Keeping an eye on usage is part of owning a gas system, particularly if your geyser depends on it.

There can also be small adjustment periods. A gas hob heats quickly, so pans may need lower settings than you used on an electric plate. Gas geysers can take a moment to ignite, and water temperature may need fine-tuning between the appliance setting and the tap flow.

There is also a space consideration. Cylinders need an approved external location, which can be more challenging in compact townhouses or flats. If the property is in an estate, check its rules before booking the work. A reputable installer can assess the site and explain the options before you commit.

How to make the change without unnecessary expense

Start with the problem you want gas to solve. If load shedding disrupts dinner, a gas hob may be enough. If electric hot water is the bigger concern, assess a gas geyser and the cylinder capacity it requires. If you run a guesthouse, salon or small food business, continuity of hot water and cooking may justify a larger multi-cylinder setup.

Do not buy cylinders, a geyser or a hob before confirming that the appliance is suitable for LPG and that your property can accommodate a compliant installation. Ask for the expected cylinder size, the likely placement, the number of gas points and whether your current plumbing or cabinetry needs changes.

When the system is in place, keep the cylinder area clear, check the hose and connections visually from time to time, and never try to locate a suspected leak with a flame. If you smell gas, close the cylinder valve if it is safe to do so, avoid switching electrical equipment on or off, ventilate the area and contact a qualified technician.

For homes that need fast cylinder exchange, appliance installation and dependable local delivery, Northern Gas can help turn a planned change into a practical one. The right setup is not necessarily the largest or most expensive system. It is the one that matches your household’s routine, stays safely installed and leaves you with heat where you need it when you need it.