Looking at switching to gas devices could be a way to save money while experiencing gains in performance and productivity.
There is a abundant supply of shale gas in the United States resulting in low, stable equivalent prices, and natural gas is relatively the least polluting non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the environmentally responsible choice.
If you already have gas installed in your home, or are buying a new dwelling you might look at the possible advantages of gas home appliances and gas appliances. Learn more about gas appliances below from Gold Appliance Repair:
What is a Natural Gas Appliance?
A gas appliance runs on natural gas as the dominant power source. These devices offer a viable substitute to electrically powered appliances for heating your house, heating water, heating your food and even air conditioning and clothes drying.
Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The quantity electric needed depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a gas stove can still be used even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.
Types of Gas Home Appliances
Gas is about more than heating.
Proving Heat
Heating your home with natural gas typically costs less than keeping warm using electrical heaters. The reduction can be up to 50% subject to your fuel costs and relative efficiency gains.
Natural 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.
A Fireplace
Apart from heating gas is perfect 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 a warm home without the hassle.
Keeping Cool
Natural gas can be an effective way to keep your home cool.
Gas fueled air conditioning could be a higher price initially but is cheaper to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Better performance has the added positive impact of lowering your carbon footprint.
Water Heaters
Gas water heaters come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are faster and more productive than their electric counterparts. On-demand heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big household that appreciates long showers.
The fact that gas lines are generally dug into the ground and guarded from the weather ensures you can still have heating even when you don’t have electricity.
Preparing Food
We’ve all encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A great advertising strategy conceived to link gas with effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the etiology the saying stuck because it is valid. The majority of chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can control the heat, and natural gas hobs are also a more cost effective way of converting fuel into heat.
Clothes Dryers
Gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas clothes dryers have many advantages. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Outdoor Living
Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is often used for patio lights and outdoor cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.
Wow your guests as soon as they arrive with outdoor lighting, keep them toasty even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside, when you like, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric heater. And gas fire pits give ambiance as well as providing heat for the best outside entertaining.
Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances
As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas appliances. Here are some of the pros.
- Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
- Gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an ecologically sound selection as it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
- Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to cool your home even if you get a power outage.
Negatives of Natural gas Appliances
- Gas appliances usually require a higher initial outlay. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be higher for a gas appliance when comparing to electrical alternatives.
- Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be costly. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before deciding.
- Moving or extending a natural gas line can also require a big outlay so this should be included in any price analysis.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas devices are not properly installed or regularly maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use gas in your home.
Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?
Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not always simple and the best choice for you may not be the right choice for everyone.
Currently gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the price is your main motivation 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 natural gas, converting to natural gas is expensive. Thus, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t already have one is a good first step.
Another benefit of natural gas is stability of supply. If power failures happen often in your area then having appliances that continue to work during outages can be a huge benefit.
Lastly, in environmental terms, while gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more eco-friendly options in the long run.