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5 Problems Gas Can Solve For You
There’s nothing quite like a cold winter morning in South Africa to test the limits of your patience and your appliances. The alarm rings (if your phone’s still charged), the frost is biting at the windows and you’ve got exactly 15 minutes to transform yourself from a duvet burrito into a semi-functioning human being. But wait – Emergency loadshedding just kicked in.
The electric geyser’s gone cold. The solar system’s useless – thick winter cloud cover means it hasn’t generated enough power to spark a flame. The kettle sits like a silent stage prop. The toaster? Just a shiny chrome ornament. And then there’s the frozen glare from your teenager, freshly traumatised by an arctic shower – now that’s the final straw.
Welcome to another episode of Everyday Disasters: The Winter Impromptu Loadshedding Chronicles.
But fear not. There’s a hero in this domestic drama – and it’s not your backup inverter that only powers a Wi-Fi router and maybe one lamp. No, the real MVP is LPG gas. Reliable, economical and immune to Eskom’s tantrums and cloud cover, gas restores the kind of normalcy that makes every morning functional.
Let’s dive into a few relatable disasters – and how gas can save the day.
🔌 Disaster 1: The Cold Shower Catastrophe
Scenario: It’s 6:30am. The temperature outside is flirting with 3 degrees. You step into the shower expecting steam – and get an icy assault. Your electric geyser hasn’t recovered from the morning’s Stage 2 emergency loadshedding.
Cue loud scream.
The Gas Fix: A gas geyser doesn’t rely on pre-heated storage or Eskom’s goodwill. It heats water on demand, instantly, regardless of what’s happening on the grid. Plus, it’s incredibly energy-efficient. That means hot showers every morning, even during blackout chaos. Goodbye cold shock, hello sanity.
🍳 Disaster 2: The egg on toast breakfast that wasn’t
Scenario: You’ve finally made it out of the shower and into the kitchen. Breakfast, you think. But the toaster’s not working. The microwave’s dead. And the stove? Well, let’s just say it’s now a very expensive countertop.
The Gas Fix: Gas hobs and ovens operate entirely off-grid, so when Eskom takes a break, your breakfast doesn’t have to. Whether you’re flipping flapjacks, crisping yesterday’s bunny chow or perfecting sunny-side-up eggs, LPG gives you instant, reliable heat – no delays, no flickering digits, just flames-on-demand.
Even better, gas offers superior temperature control compared to electric stoves. That means toast and hot breakfast on demand. It’s the kind of breakfast win that sets the tone for the whole day.
🧦 Disaster 3: The Wet Laundry Fiasco
Scenario: It’s laundry day and your electric tumble dryer has decided to go on a sympathy strike with the rest of your appliances. The sun is nowhere in sight. Your wet jeans? Still wet. Your kid’s school uniform? Still soggy.
The Gas Fix: While South Africa hasn’t yet widely adopted gas tumble dryers, commercial units exist – and where there’s a gas cylinder, there’s potential. More practically, LPG-fuelled heaters can speed up indoor drying without running your power bill through the roof. Just hang those clothes near your gas heater and voilà – dry socks in a flash.
Also, let’s not underestimate the power of a warm room when folding clothes. It’s a small joy that gas makes happen.
🔥 Disaster 4: The Great Heater Heist
Scenario: It’s Saturday. You have the gas braai on and the wors is sizzling. The vibe is set for the perfect winter lunch braai with friends and family. There’s music playing, the rugby game’s about to start and everyone’s out on the patio, soaking up what was meant to be a sunny afternoon.
And then – a sudden cold front sweeps in. The temperature drops. The breeze bites. Auntie Joyce disappears indoors with her plate; and the rest – those who cannot gather around the gas braai – follow suit, huddling inside around a useless electric heater that’s barely warming its own plug.
The Gas Fix: Just as the vibe begins to flatline, you wheel out the outdoor gas heater, hook up the 9kg cylinder and light the flame. Instantly, the patio comes back to life. The chill lifts, spirits rise and everyone drifts back outside, plates in hand and smiles intact. The music gets louder, you continue turning that sizzling wors and the opening whistle blows – game on!
LPG patio heaters are the ultimate mood-savers – portable, powerful and perfect for spontaneous winter entertaining. They run independently of the grid, cost far less than electric options and kick in instantly when the weather catches you off guard. With gas on your side, the braai goes on, the jokes keep flowing and your patio becomes the warmest spot in the house – even when nature has other plans.
🍝 Disaster 5: The Dinner That Never Was
Scenario: You’ve prepped. You’ve chopped. You’re halfway through cooking a heart-warming stew when click – power’s out. You check the app, no loadshedding anticipated. You check the neighbourhood whatsapp group – a generator just blew, resolution time unknown. The pot gets cold. The dream is dead.
The Gas Fix: Cooking with gas means never having to apologise for half-done lasagne. LPG stoves and ovens let you finish what you started, whether it’s curry, casserole or cake. Plus, during long winter nights, there’s something deeply comforting about the soft hiss of a gas burner and the delicious aromas of food cooking – without interruption.
🪠 Bonus Disaster: The Dreaded Bathroom Heater Scene
Scenario: The only thing worse than a cold morning shower? A cold bathroom. Your electric wall heater is purely decorative now and the ice-cold tiles feel like they’re punishing your feet for daring to exist.
The Gas Fix: Portable LPG heaters are just as handy in the bathroom (ventilation permitting). You can warm up the space before shower time – or keep your toes toasty while brushing your teeth. It’s these little upgrades that turn misery into marvelous.
So Why LPG?
LPG – or Liquefied Petroleum Gas – is more than just a backup. It’s a flexible, affordable and safe alternative to unreliable and more expensive electricity. Here’s why households across South Africa are making the switch:
- Immediate heat: From hot water to hot food, gas delivers instantly.
- Loadshedding-proof: No power? No problem.
- Cost-effective: LPG appliances use less energy than their electric equivalents, lowering your bills.
- Better control: Especially in cooking – gas lets you fine-tune your heat for perfect results.
- Environmentally friendlier: LPG has a lower carbon footprint than coal-generated electricity.
And the best part? SimsGas makes switching simple.
Where SimsGas Comes In
SimsGas is your go-to for safe, affordable and accessible LPG solutions. Whether you need a 5kg cylinder for your tabletop hob or a full 48kg setup for your home geyser, they’ve got you covered.
From gas delivery to cylinder exchanges, servicing and even installation advice, SimsGas makes LPG not only convenient, but confidence-boosting.
Explore their range of cylinders and accessories:
👉 https://simsgas.co.za/shop/
Have questions? Our friendly team is just a call or email away:
📞 Johannesburg: 011 494 4232
📞 Durban: 031 902 6533
📧 Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za
One Last Thought
There’s a certain calm that comes from knowing your morning routine isn’t at the mercy of an unpredictable grid. When everything else in life feels uncertain, LPG offers reliable heat, functional kitchens and a reason to believe mornings don’t have to be chaotic.
So next time your alarm goes off and the chill hits your toes, just remember: you’ve got gas.
And that makes all the difference.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and not a substitute for professional advice. SimsGas urges all consumers to follow safety guidelines and buy gas only from verified suppliers. We are not liable for any harm caused by using gas from unregistered sources. Stay safe – choose sealed, reputable LP gas every time.
Order your LPG Gas online: https://simsgas.co.za/shop/
Phone: 0861 746 7427
Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za
We will deliver to your home or business, so order today!
Johannesburg: 011 494 4232
Durban: 031 902 6533
Email: jhbsales@simsgas.co.za
Or fill in your gas supply query here:https://simsgas.co.za/contact-us/
SimsGas is an authorised Oryx Energies South Africa distributor.
Author: Twaambo Chirwa