Why farms and rural homes run out of gas in winter, and how to plan ahead
Rural properties often rely on bottled LPG for hot water, cooking and heating. Here is why winter use climbs and how to avoid running dry.
Why winter is different
Colder incoming water makes gas hot water systems work harder, heaters run for longer, and more meals are cooked at home. All of it comes from the same bottles.
Deliveries take time in the country
Rural gas deliveries may not be next day, and bad weather or wet roads can add delays. Running out on a cold weekend can mean days without hot water.
Plan ahead
Keep a record of each bottle change through the year so you can see how much faster it goes in winter. Order a replacement as soon as you switch to your last full bottle, not when it runs out.
Check without walking out
Bottles are often at the back of the house or out at a shed. A WiseTank WiFi sensor (A$109) under a steel bottle can provide readings and low-level alerts to help plan orders. It needs power and working 2.4 GHz WiFi at the bottle, plus internet access for remote checks; it does not detect leaks or guarantee an alert before supply stops. It comes with an Australian-plug power adapter.