Looking at switching to gas devices may be a way to lower expenditures at the same time as seeing higher levels of comfort and efficiency.
There is a high supply of gas in the US meaning that prices per unit are low and stable, and gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be viewed as the greener choice.
If you already have a gas line at home, or are building a new home you might look at the probable advantages of switching to natural gas and natural gas household appliances. Learn more about gas appliances here from Perry Appliance Repair:
What are Gas Appliances?
A natural gas home appliance employs gas as the primary power source. These goods present a viable alternative to electrical devices.
In many cases natural gas appliances nonetheless will need an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the main fuel. The quantity electricity needed depends on the type of appliance. For example, a gas range will still work even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.
A List of Appliances That use Gas.
Gas can be used for more than heating.
Keeping You Warm
Heating your home with natural gas is typically less expensive than heating your home using electrical appliances. Your expenditure could be cut in half subject to your fuel prices and relative efficiency gains.
Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.
An Indoor Fire
As well as general heating natural gas is great for having a fire in your home.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get all the ambiance and plenty of warmth without the hassle.
Cooling Your Home
Natural gas air conditioning can be an efficient way to cool your home, even if there is a power outage.
Gas powered air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Higher performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Water Heating
Natural gas water heaters come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more productive than electric water boilers. Tankless heaters also provide a continuous supply. Handy if you have a big household that indulges in long showers.
The fact that gas lines are generally dug into the ground and protected from the elements ensures you can still have heating even if you don’t have electricity.
Preparing Food
We’ve all heard the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line conceived to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the origin the saying stuck because it is true. Most chefs and amature cooks choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the size of the flame, and gas stoves also offer a less wasteful way of turning energy into heat.
Clothes Dryers
You may not instantly think of using natural gas to dry your clothes, however, natural gas dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers heat the air at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Using Gas Outside
Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? Outside, natural gas is a great power source for lighting and cooking and even to heat your pool.
Wow friends as soon as they arrive with path lighting, keep them toasty even when the temperature falls and get food cooked outside, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas patio heaters offer ambiance as well as giving heat for luxurious indoor-outdoor living.
Pros of Gas Home Appliances
As with anything there are pros and cons to gas appliances. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.
- Gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual energy bills.
- Natural gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an ecologically sound choice as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
- Gas lines are generally run underground making supply less likely to get interrupted. This means you can still heat water even if there’s no electricity supply.At worst you might need to find a match.
Disadvantages of Natural gas Home Appliances
- Gas devices usually require a higher initial investment. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical appliances.
- Having a natural gas line installed can be costly. The cost will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your provider before deciding.
- Moving or extending a natural gas line can also cost a considerable amount.
- Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas devices are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use natural gas in your home.
Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?
Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not straightforward and the optimal choice for you probably won’t be the best decision for everyone.
Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the price is your main driver 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 gas, retrospectively installing gas comes at a cost. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t already have one is a good first step.
Another key advantage of natural gas is stability of supply. If power outages are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a huge benefit.
Finally, the environmental credentials of natural gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be a better investment and more sustainable options in the long run.