One may ask – how long does an LPG bottle last and how do I know it’s time to purchase a new one?
Generally, a 45Kg LPG bottle can last for 244 days, but it can be impacted by some factors such as its uses – whether for cooking, water heating or both, the number of people using it and the type of appliances it is used for.
Let’s say, for a family of 3 who uses LPG for cooking and a water heating system, a 45Kg gas bottle may last for 6 to 8 weeks. This can be extended if the household uses some energy-saving devices.
How do I know it’s time to purchase a new LPG?
Here are 6 ways to know when you need to buy a new gas bottle:
1. Use a Gas Bottle Level Sensor or Indicator
One of the easiest ways to know if it’s time to purchase a new gas bottle is to look at your indicator. This is typically attached to the lower half of the gas bottle. The crystals in the indicator change colour as the gas level runs low.
A more high-tech indicator is a gas level bottle sensor. This is attached at the bottom of the cylinder. The device can be connected to a mobile phone app through Bluetooth. The app provides the needed data for users to monitor the gas level in the bottle.
2. Do a Bottle Shake
A traditional way to check if your gas bottle is going low on content is to shake it. As you shake, you will hear and feel the gas moving inside the bottle.
You can also assess the heaviness of the bottle when you shake it. In most cases, you’ll have difficulty shaking a full gas bottle, but when it’s running low, it’s easier to do so. The thing is, by simply shaking the bottle, you can’t tell how much gas is exactly left in it.
3. Use a Weighing Scale
One sure way to know how much more gas you have is by using a weighing scale. The weight of an empty 45Kg gas bottle is 33Kg. This gives a total weight of 78Kg when the bottle is full.
By using a weighing scale, you can determine the exact amount of gas you have left. Let’s say the weighing scale indicates that the weight of your gas bottle is 36Kg. This means that you only have 3Kg of LPG left. It may also mean that it’s time to purchase a new LPG.
4. Mark Your Calendar
Another way to monitor the gas level of your LPG bottle is to mark your calendar. Take note of the dates you start and end using the bottle. Simply count the days in between and use this as your basis to know approximately when you’ll run out of gas again.
This technique works best for households and businesses that use LPG routinely and regularly. So, a few days before you use up all your gas, it is best to contact your trusted gas supplier for a new bottle.
5. Use Hot Water
Next on our list is the classic condensation test. In this process, you will need half a pitcher of hot water. Simply pour the water on one side of the gas bottle. After a couple of minutes, feel the gas bottle surface where you ran the water.
In most cases, the bottle will feel cold on the part where there is still LPG. You will also notice that condensation forms on the bottle where you still have gas which also indicates the gas level you have left.
6. Use a Change-over Regulator
Lastly, is the use of a change-over valve which is connected to two gas cylinders. When the first gas bottle is emptied, the valve automatically switches to the new and full gas bottle. The change-over valve indicator will then point to the other gas bottle.
When this happens, you can call your gas supplier for a new LPG and change the emptied bottle. This is one of the most efficient ways to know that it’s time to buy a new gas bottle.
Knowing when to purchase your next LGP bottle can be beneficial, especially in times when you have friends coming over for a barbeque, or you just had your little girl’s birthday party. In these cases, the use of a gas bottle may be shortened, so it helps to know how to check the level of gas you have left.
Additional Tips to Ensure Continuity of Gas Use
Although a 45Kg LPG can last more or less 2 months, it is best to find ways to ensure that you don’t run out of gas. Aside from applying any of the 6 techniques mentioned above, you may consider these two tips to ensure continuity of gas supply:
- Schedule a regular purchase date with your LPG provider.
- Purchase a second bottle from your gas supplier so you have an immediate replacement for your current bottle.
If you are looking for a reliable LPG supplier, Plus Gas is the name you can trust!
