Gas Appliances

Looking at natural gas appliances might be a good option to save money while seeing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.

Shale gas is in plentiful supply in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and natural gas is relatively the least polluting fossil fuel, therefore, it can be viewed as the environmentally responsible option.

If you already have natural gas installed in your house, or are buying a new house you should consider the possible gains of switching to natural gas and gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Choice Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A natural gas home appliance runs on gas as the primary fuel source. These appliances present a viable substitute for electrically powered goods.

In most cases natural gas home appliances nonetheless will need an electricity supply but use natural gas as the major fuel. The quantity electricity needed depends on how the appliance works. For example, a natural gas heater will still work even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still relies upon electrical components.

Examples of Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas could have any number of purposes in your home.

Proving Heat

Heating your home with gas is generally less expensive than keeping warm with electricity. The reduction can be as much as 50% subject to your energy prices and efficiency.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is a big plus if you if you get power cuts

A Fireplace

Aside from keeping your home warm natural gas is great for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fire, you still get real flames and plenty of warmth without the fuss.

Keeping Cool

Gas air conditioning can offer an effective method to cool your home.

Natural gas air conditioning requires a bigger initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Higher efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

Gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are faster and more efficient than their electric alternatives. On-demand water heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand.

The fact that gas lines are usually hidden and sheltered from the elements means you can still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking

Everyone has come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line created to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying has stuck around because it is valid. A great many chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ability to vary the temperature, and natural gas ranges are also a more cost effective way of converting energy into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You might not immediately think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, gas dryers have many advantages. They work at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, natural gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your spa.

Wow your guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lighting, keep them toasty even when the temperature drops and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas patio heaters offer atmosphere as well as offering heat for the best outside entertaining.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to weight up the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing natural gas will reduce your power bills.
Gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound option as it is the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still cook even if there’s no electricity supply.

Cons of Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas home appliances usually require a higher initial investment. Both the price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher.
Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your energy company before making a final decision.
Moving or extending a gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas devices are not properly installed 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 natural gas and electricity is not easy and the optimal choice for you might not be the optimal choice for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is for the time being the cheaper fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, switching to natural gas is expensive. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another key advantage of gas is stability of supply. If power cuts are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during outages can be a big plus.

Lastly, the environmental 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. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be less expensive and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.