Martin Grosz
06/04/2021 6:01 AM
Clarín.com
Services
Updated 06/04/2021 6:01 AM
Gas cuts come to buildings by surprise.
They last
weeks or
even months
-including those of winter-, and they force each neighbor to quickly look
for electrical alternatives
to be able to heat water, cook and heat.
It all usually starts with a co-owner or tenant who
detects the smell
of gas in a hallway and calls the dealership to report it.
The company then confirms the loss,
cuts the service
and only returns it once the installation is in order, which can require large works.
And meanwhile?
How to
take a hot shower
if the gas water heater does not work?
How to
boil water
for mate or to cook some noodles, without burners?
How to tune the bedroom if the balanced shot is now "decorative"?
Something as common as making coffee or cooking noodles can become difficult when the gas is cut off, if you don't buy electric heaters.
Photo Andrés D'Elía
A common mistake: spending a lot and on top of that, running out of electricity
Electrical substitutes
can be found for each canceled gas
appliance
, but they must be
chosen carefully
.
First, so as
not to spend
a fortune on appliances that when the gas returns, they will collect dust in a closet.
And second, because if you buy devices that are
too powerful
, and use all of them at the same time, it is possible that the home wiring will not resist it.
And
also run out of light
.
How, then, can you build the ideal electrical "survival" kit?
One that is both
inexpensive
,
easy to install
and
not as demanding
on the home network (whose capacity should be consulted with an electrician).
Here is a possible combo with
five gadgets
that can help you get out of the way with little money.
1. Electric heater with shower
Installed in the bathroom, the shower heaters allow you to bathe for 5 to 10 minutes.
Photo Archive
What does it consist of
?
It is a
20 or 25 liter
tank
with an electrical resistance at the bottom and a built-in shower.
The water heater is installed in the bathroom, just above the original shower.
How to use it
.
You have to open the tap until the tank is full, and turn on the appliance.
On cold days, it takes
20 to 30 minutes
to heat the water.
When it reaches the ideal temperature, it is unplugged and the rain opens, which can last
5 to 10 minutes
until the tank is empty.
How much does it cost
.
The most comfortable and safest are those that come with a
built-
in
cable
and a
light-
on power knob
.
If they are made of plastic, they start at
$ 2,500
;
and if they are made of stainless steel, at
$ 4,000
.
How much do you consume
.
These devices usually have a power of 1,100 or
1,200 watts
.
How to avoid risks
.
Before testing the water temperature and entering the shower, always turn off and
unplug
the appliance.
2. Electric kettle
The kettle jugs allow you to prepare mate, tea or coffee in a few seconds.
Photo Clarín Archive
What does it consist of
?
They are plastic or steel jugs with an electrical resistance at the bottom, which in a few seconds bring the water to boiling temperature.
How to use it
.
The carafe is filled to the desired level, clipped onto the base, and touched the power button.
When the water is already hot,
it turns itself off
.
And it is ready to serve.
How much does it cost
.
Basic kettles are available starting at
$ 1,800
.
And those that come with a temperature regulator start at
$ 3,000
.
How much do you consume
.
While heating, an electric kettle can demand between
1,800 and 2,200 watts
, depending on the model.
How to avoid risks
.
It is advisable to connect the appliance
directly
to the electrical outlet, without shoes or extension cords involved.
And never turn it on without water inside.
3. Electric stove
Electric stoves allow, in the event of a gas cut, to cook as if you had a gas stove.
Photo Archive
What does it consist of
?
It is an appliance that uses electrical energy to heat one or more flat burners, on which
pots and pans
can
rest
for cooking.
How to use it
.
The user places the
regulator
at the desired point.
The appliance will then turn on and off automatically, in such a way as to always keep the burner at the required temperature.
How much does it cost
.
Single-burner stoves start at
$ 2,400
and dual-burner stoves are worth at least
$ 3,500
.
How much do you consume
.
When heating, the cooktops of a burner usually demand
1,500 watts
;
and the doubles, working at full capacity, up to 2,000 or 2,300 watts.
How to avoid risks
.
The appliance must be placed on a flat surface and in a place where it will
not be wetted or splashed
.
Also, use pots and pans whose base has a diameter
similar
to that of the burner (neither larger nor smaller).
4. Microwave oven
The microwave is key to heating food and drinks quickly.
Photo iStockPhotos
What does it consist of
?
By means of electromagnetic radiation, the appliance can
cook
or
reheat
food and beverages
in a few minutes
.
Adding one will help a lot during the gas cut, but it
will
also
be useful afterwards
.
How much does it cost
.
The most basic and smallest, with 20 liters of capacity, are obtained from
$ 14,000
.
How much do you consume
.
Small models usually demand between
700 watts and 800 watts
.
And if they have a grill, 900 watts or more while using that function.
How to avoid risks
.
Never turn on the microwave when it is empty or with the door open.
Neither heat liquids for longer than indicated or use containers with
metal
components
.
5. Electric stove
The heater, one of the most used options for heating with electricity.
Photo Archive
What does it consist of
?
Electric stoves that generate heat with resistors allow you to get out of the way by spending little money on the purchase of the appliance.
How much does it cost
.
A quartz stove, a halogen or a basic heater can today be obtained from
$ 2,000
or
$ 2,500
.
How much do you consume
.
These teams can have a power of between
800 watts
and
2,000 watts
.
The higher this number, the more heat it generates.
These are heaters that should only be taken as a
temporary solution
, until the gas returns, because they have a very high energy consumption.
As
Clarín has
already reported
, for an average home, heating only with electric stoves produces an extra expense of US $ 3,800 in 15 years.
MG
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