Considering gas devices may be a way to save money at the same time as seeing higher levels of comfort, convenience and efficiency.
There is a abundant supply of gas in the US meaning that costs are low and stable, and natural gas is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, therefore, it can be seen as the least environmentally damaging choice.
If you already have natural gas installed in your home, or are building a new house you might think about the likely benefits of natural gas devices and natural gas home appliances. Find more information about gas appliances here from Lawton Appliance Repair:
What are Natural Gas Appliances?
A natural gas home appliance uses natural gas as the primary fuel source. These home appliances present a workable alternative to electrical home appliances for heating your house, heating water, heating food and even air conditioning and clothes drying.
In general you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a natural gas boiler will produce hot water even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still requires electricity.
Types of Gas Appliances
Gas is not just for heating.
Keeping You Warm
Heating your home with gas is usually less expensive than heating using electricity. The difference can be up to 50% subject to your energy costs and efficiency.
Gas heats the air in less time and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.
An Indoor Fire
Aside from heating natural 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 fireplace, you still get real flames and a focal point without the mess.
Keeping Cool
Natural gas air conditioners can be an adept means to keep cool, even if there is a power outage.
Gas air conditioning can be a higher price initially but is better value to run and maintain meaning lower prices in the long term. Superior performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Water Heaters
There are two types of natural gas water boilers, non-tank and tank. Natural gas heaters are faster and more efficient than their electric substitutes. On-demand heaters also offer a continuous supply.
The fact that gas lines are almost always hidden and guarded from the elements ensures you will still have hot water even if there’s a power outage.
Cooking
We’ve all heard the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great advertising line designed to link the use of natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the origin the saying has stuck around because it is accurate. A great many chefs choose gas for the ease with which you can vary the heat, and gas hobs are also a much more efficient way of converting energy into heat.
Clothes Dryers
Natural gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to drying clothes, however, gas dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers work at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in a shorter time.
Using Gas Outside
Natural Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. When it comes to outdoor living, gas is a popular choice for lighting and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.
Wow friends before they even get out of the car with outdoor lights, keep them warm on cool evenings and get a meal prepared outside, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.
Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as fast as an electric equivalent. And gas outdoor heaters set the mood as well as giving heat for perfect indoor-outdoor living.
Pros of Natural Gas Appliances
As in all things there are pros and cons to gas devices. Here are some of the advantages of choosing Natural Gas.
- Natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual utility bills.
- Natural gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an ecologically sound option as it is considered the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less C02 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.At worst you might need to find a match.
Cons of Natural gas Home Appliances
- Gas home appliances tend to are subject to a higher initial cost. Both the value of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be greater.
- Having a natural gas line installed 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 supplier before deciding.
- Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas appliances 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 Gas Appliance Right for You?
Making the choice between gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you may not be the best choice for everyone.
If your main driver is cost natural gas is for the time being the least expensive fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, retrospectively installing gas comes at a cost. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.
Another benefit of gas is stability of supply. If power outages are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can be a big plus.
Finally, in environmental terms, while gas devices are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Opting for renewable energy may turn out to be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.