Considering natural gas devices may be an option to lower expenditures at the same time as experiencing gains in performance and productivity.
There is a high supply of shale gas in the United States meaning that prices are low and stable, and natural gas is looked upon as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the most eco-friendly alternative.
If you already have a gas line at home, or are building a new home you may wish to consider the likely advantages of switching to natural gas and gas household appliances. Learn more about gas appliances here from Champion Appliance Repair:
What are Natural Gas Appliances?
A natural gas device uses gas as the main fuel source. Natural gas devices present a workable substitute for electrically powered appliances for heating your house, providing hot water, cooking your food and even cooling your home and laundry.
In many cases natural gas devices nonetheless require an electrical outlet but use gas as the main source of power. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a natural gas water heater will work even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still requires electricity.
A List of Home Appliances That Operate Using Gas.
Natural gas could have many purposes in your home.
Keeping You Warm
Providing heat with gas is generally less expensive than heating using electricity. Savings can be as high as 50% subject to your fuel costs and efficiency.
Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.
An Indoor Fire
As well as heating natural gas is perfect for a fireplace. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get real flames and plenty of warmth without the mess.
Keeping Cool
Gas air conditioning can be an efficient means to keep cool.
Natural gas fueled air conditioning can be more costly initially but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning savings in the long term. Better performance has the added benefit of lowering your carbon footprint.
Hot Water
There are two styles of gas water heaters, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are faster and more fuel efficient than their electric counterparts. On-demand heaters also offer a continuous supply. Which is useful if you have a big household that appreciates long showers.
The fact that natural gas lines are usually hidden and protected from the elements ensures you will still have hot water even if there’s a power outage.
Preparing Food
Everyone has come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line created to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the origin the phrase is still around because it is accurate. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose natural gas for the ease with which you can control the heat, and gas ranges also offer a less wasteful way of converting fuel into heat.
Clothes Dryers
Natural gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. They work a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Outdoor Living
You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, gas is often used for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.
Impress friends before they even get out of the car with driveway lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature drops and get food cooked outside, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.
Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as giving warmth for the best indoor-outdoor living.
Pros of Natural Gas Home Appliances
With any decision you make it makes sense to look at the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits.
- Choosing gas will reduce your energy bills.
- Gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Natural gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
- Gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to heat your home even if there’s no electricity supply.
Negatives of Natural gas Home Appliances
- Gas home appliances usually are subject to a higher initial outlay. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a gas appliance when looking at next to electrical alternatives.
- Installing a new gas line can be costly. The amount will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your supplier before making any decisions.
- Having a gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.
Should You Choose Gas?
Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the best choice for you may not be the right choice for everyone.
Currently gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the cost is your main motivation this can be a big part of the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, switching to natural gas is expensive. With this in mind, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.
Another key advantage of gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can be a big plus.
Finally, the sustainability credentials of natural gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.