Looking at gas appliances may be an option to lower expenditures at the same time as seeing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.
Natural gas easy to extract in the United States resulting in low, stable prices per unit, and natural gas is viewed as the least polluting fossil fuel, therefore, it can be seen as the greener alternative.
If you already have a natural gas line in your home, or are completing a new dwelling you may wish to look at the likely benefits of natural gas devices and gas appliances. Learn more about gas appliances here from Longmont Appliance Repair:
What is a Natural Gas Home Appliance?
A natural gas appliance makes use of gas as the dominant power source. Natural gas devices afford a great alternative to electrical appliances.
In the majority of situations natural gas devices nevertheless require an electricity supply but use natural gas as the main source of power. The amount of electricity used depends on how the appliance works. For example, a natural gas boiler will work even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.
A List of Devices That Run On Gas
Natural gas isn’t just for heating.
Keeping You Warm
Heating your home with natural gas generally costs less than heating your home using electrical heaters. Your outgoings could be cut in half subject to your fuel costs and efficiency.
Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.
Fireplaces
As well as keeping your home warm natural gas is ideal for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get real flames and a focal point without the fuss.
Cooling
Gas air conditioning can offer an effective way to keep your home cool, even if there is a power failure.
Natural gas air conditioning are often a higher price initially but is better value on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Water Heating
There are two types of gas water boilers, non-tank and tank. Natural gas heaters are faster and more efficient than their electric counterparts. On-demand heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand. Which is useful if you have a big household that appreciates long showers.
The fact that gas lines are generally dug into the ground and protected from the weather means you still have the ability to heat your home even if there’s a power outage.
Preparing Food
Everyone has encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A gas company marketing line designed to link the use of gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the etiology the saying has stuck around because it is valid. The majority of chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can control the size of the flame, and gas hobs are also a more cost effective way of converting fuel into heat.
Dryers
You might not instantly think of using gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas clothes dryers have many advantages. Gas Dryers operate at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in a shorter time.
Using Natural Gas Outside
Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is a popular choice for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.
Wow your guests before they even reach the front door with driveway lights, keep them warm on cool evenings and get dinner ready outside, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as offering comfort for perfect outside entertaining.
Advantages of Natural Gas Appliances
With any decision you make it makes sense to weight up the pros and the cons. First up the pros.
- Gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
- Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
- Natural gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
- Gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to cool your home even if the power goes out.
Cons of Natural gas Home Appliances
- Natural gas home appliances usually require a higher initial outlay. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be higher for a natural gas appliance when comparing to electrical goods.
- Having a natural gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors.
- Moving or extending a natural gas line can also be expensive.
- Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas home appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.
Should You Choose Natural Gas?
Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not straightforward and the right choice for you may not be the optimal choice for everyone.
If your main driver is cost gas is for the time being the lower priced fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.
Another benefit of natural gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures happen often where you live then having appliances that continue to work during outages can be a big plus.
Finally, in environmental terms, while gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy may turn out to be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.