Propane gas is an essential fuel for many households in the UK, particularly for those who live in rural areas that are not connected to the mains gas supply. Calor Gas has been the go-to supplier of propane gas for many years, but there are now other suppliers on the market, such as Flogas. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to use Flogas instead of Calor Gas and the factors that you should consider before making the switch.
Introduction to Propane Gas
Propane gas is a type of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that is commonly used for heating and cooking in homes that are not connected to the mains gas supply. It is a clean-burning fuel that is stored in pressurized cylinders and delivered to homes by gas suppliers. Propane gas is a popular choice for households in rural areas because it is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to other fuels such as oil or electricity.
Calor Gas
Calor Gas is the leading supplier of propane gas in the UK, with a market share of around 50%. The company has been in operation for over 80 years and has built a strong reputation for reliability and customer service. Calor Gas supplies propane gas in a range of cylinder sizes, from small 3.9kg cylinders for camping and caravanning to large 47kg cylinders for home heating and cooking.
Flogas
Flogas is a UK-based supplier of propane gas that has been operating since 1984. The company has a smaller market share than Calor Gas but has grown rapidly in recent years through acquisitions and partnerships. Flogas supplies propane gas in a range of cylinder sizes, from small 3.9kg cylinders to large 47kg cylinders. The company also offers a range of other LPG products and services, including bulk LPG for commercial and industrial customers.
Can I Use Flogas Instead of Calor Gas?
The short answer is yes, you can use Flogas instead of Calor Gas. Both companies supply propane gas that is suitable for home heating and cooking, and the physical properties of the gas are the same. However, there are some factors that you should consider before making the switch.
Cylinder Exchange
One of the main factors to consider when switching from Calor Gas to Flogas is the cylinder exchange process. Calor Gas cylinders are widely available at retail outlets across the UK, and the company operates a network of cylinder exchange points where customers can swap empty cylinders for full ones. Flogas cylinders, on the other hand, are not as widely available, and the company operates a smaller network of exchange points.
If you are currently using Calor Gas and want to switch to Flogas, you will need to ensure that you can easily exchange your empty cylinders for full ones. This may involve finding a local Flogas exchange point or arranging for the company to deliver cylinders to your home.
Cylinder Sizes
Another factor to consider when switching from Calor Gas to Flogas is the range of cylinder sizes available. Both companies supply propane gas in a range of cylinder sizes, but the sizes and shapes of the cylinders may differ. This could be an issue if you have limited storage space for gas cylinders or if you need to use a specific size of cylinder for your appliances.
Before making the switch to Flogas, you should check that the company supplies the cylinder sizes that you need and that they are compatible with your appliances. Flogas offers a range of cylinder sizes, including 3.9kg, 6kg, 11kg, 13kg, 19kg, and 47kg cylinders.
Price and Service
Price and service are also important factors to consider when choosing between Calor Gas and Flogas. Both companies offer competitive pricing and reliable service, but there may be differences in price and service levels depending on your location and usage.
Before making the switch, you should compare the prices and service levels offered by both companies in your area. You should also consider factors such as delivery times, customer service, and payment options.
Safety and Regulations
Finally, it is important to consider safety and regulations when using propane gas. Both Calor Gas and Flogas are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and must comply with strict safety standards. However, there may be differences in the safety features of the cylinders and appliances supplied by each company.
Before making the switch, you should ensure that the cylinders and appliances supplied by Flogas meet the same safety standards as those supplied by Calor Gas. You should also ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use of propane gas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to use Flogas instead of Calor Gas for home heating and cooking. However, there are several factors that you should consider before making the switch, including cylinder exchange, cylinder sizes, price and service, and safety and regulations. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about whether Flogas is the right propane gas supplier for your needs.