Considering natural gas appliances may be an option to save money while seeing increases in performance and productivity.
Shale gas easy to extract in the United States resulting in low, stable costs, and shale gas is relatively the least polluting fossil fuel, thus, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible option.
If you already have a natural gas line in your home, or are completing a new house you may wish to consider the potential advantages of choosing natural gas and gas household appliances. Learn more about gas appliances here from Key Glendale Appliance Repair:
What is a Natural Gas Appliance?
A natural gas home appliance uses gas as the dominant fuel source. Natural gas devices are a practicable substitute to electrical devices.
In most situations gas devices nevertheless require an electricity supply but use natural gas as the primary fuel. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas boiler will produce hot water even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.
A List of Devices That Use Gas.
Gas could have a great many purposes in your home.
Keeping You Warm
Heating your home with natural gas usually costs less than heating using electrical heaters. Your outgoings could be cut in half subject to your energy tariffs and efficiency.
Natural gas heats the air more efficiently and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.
Fireplaces
As well as general heating natural gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a natural gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and a focal point without the fuss.
Cooling
Gas can be an adept means to keep cool, even if there is a power outage.
Natural gas powered air conditioning requires a bigger initial investment but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning lower prices in the long term. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Water Heaters
Gas water heaters come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than their electric substitutes. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply.
The fact that gas lines are generally underground and guarded from the weather ensures you can still have the ability to heat your home even if there’s a power outage.
Preparing Food
Most people have come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line conceived to link natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the origin the phrase is still around because it is accurate. Most chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the fact that they can control the temperature, and gas hobs are also a less wasteful way of turning energy into heat.
Dryers
You might not instantly think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, gas dryers can be an excellent choice. They dry clothes at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Outdoor Entertaining
Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? Outside, natural gas is a popular choice for lighting and cooking and even to heat your pool.
Wow friends before they even get out of the car with driveway lights, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get the food cooking outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your gas bottles.
Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric equivalent. And gas outdoor heaters give atmosphere as well as giving warmth for the best outside living.
Pros of Natural Gas Appliances
With any decision you make it makes sense to weight up the pros and the cons. Here are some of the advantages.
- Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual power bills.
- Gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them a more sustainable choice for your wallet and for the planet.
- Gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
- Gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to heat your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.
Cons of Gas Home Appliances
- Gas appliances tend to require a higher initial outlay. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater.
- Having a gas line installed can be expensive. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
- Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.
Should You Choose Natural Gas?
Making the choice between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the best choice for you may not be the right decision for everyone.
If your main driver is cost gas is at the moment the lower priced fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, switching to natural gas comes at a cost. Thus, 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 benefit of natural gas is stability of supply. If power failures are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can be a big plus.
Lastly, the sustainability credentials of gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Installing renewable energy could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.
