Gas Appliances

Looking at gas home appliances might be an option to reduce your bills at the same time as experiencing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the US meaning that prices per unit are low and stable, and gas is relatively the cleanest non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the greener option.

If you already have a natural gas line in your house, or are completing a new dwelling you should consider the likely advantages of using more gas and gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Prince Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Home Appliance?

A natural gas home appliance employs natural gas as the main power source. These devices are a viable substitute for electrical goods.

Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a natural gas furnace will still work even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electrical components.

Different Gas Appliances

Gas has many uses in your home.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with gas is usually less expensive than heating using electricity. The difference can be as much as 50% depending on your energy tariffs and efficiency.

Natural gas heats the air more quickly and offers better reliability.This is a huge benefit if you if you get power cuts

A Fireplace

Aside from heating natural gas is great for a fireplace.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a natural gas fire, you still get that open fire feeling and plenty of warmth without the mess.

Cooling Your Home

Natural gas air conditioning can offer an efficient method to keep your home cool.

Natural gas air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness has the added benefit of lowering your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

There are two types of gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Gas heaters are quicker and more productive than their electric substitutes. Tankless water heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that natural gas lines are usually dug into the ground and guarded from the elements means you still have hot water even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking Food

We’ve all come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line conceived to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the saying has stuck around because it is valid. Most chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can vary the temperature, and natural gas ranges provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You may not instantly think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. They work a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Entertaining

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. Outside the home, gas is a popular choice for lighting and cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.

Wow friends before they even reach the front door with outdoor lights, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get food cooked outside, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as providing heat for perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Advantages of Natural Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to look at the pros and the cons. First up the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing gas will reduce your utility bills.
Gas devices tend to use less energy making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly option as it is viewed as the cleanest of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Natural gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still cool your home even if the power goes out.

Negatives of Natural gas Appliances

Gas appliances tend to are subject to a higher initial outlay. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be higher.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The price will vary depending on a number of factors.
Moving or extending a gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance Right for You?

Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not straightforward and the best choice for you may not be the best choice for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is at the moment the least expensive option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, switching to natural gas is expensive. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose natural gas is reliability of supply. If power outages happen often where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can count for a lot.

Finally, in environmental terms, while gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be a better investment and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.