Considering switching to gas appliances could be a way to save money while experiencing increases in comfort and efficiency.
Gas abundant in the United States meaning that prices are low and stable, and natural gas is looked upon as the cleanest non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible choice.
If you already have gas installed at home, or are building a new home you might think about the probable benefits of switching to gas and gas appliances. Find more information about gas appliances here from Hometown Appliance Repair:
What are Natural Gas Appliances?
A gas appliance uses natural gas as the main power source. These home appliances are a practicable alternative to electrical home appliances.
Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. For example, a gas heater can still be used even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electricity to make the drum turn.
Types of Gas Appliances
Gas is not just for cooking.
Proving Heat
Heating your home with gas generally costs less than heating your home using electrical appliances. Your costs could be cut in half depending on your energy prices and efficiency.
Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.
An Indoor Fire
Aside from general heating gas is perfect for a fireplace.Forget the hassle of having to collect or buy logs or clean out the ashes. With a gas fire, you still get real flames and plenty of warmth without the mess.
Cooling Your Home
Gas can offer an adept method to keep your home cool.
Gas powered air conditioning requires a greater initial investment but is better value to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Higher effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Hot Water
Natural gas water boilers come in two styles, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more productive than electric water heaters. On-demand water heaters also offer a continuous supply even with high demand.
The fact that natural gas lines are generally dug into the ground and protected from the weather ensures you still have heating even if there’s a power outage.
Cooking Food
Most people have heard the saying “cooking with gas”. A great advertising strategy designed to link the use of gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the etiology the saying is used today because it is accurate. The majority of chefs choose natural gas for the ability to control the temperature, and natural gas ranges also offer a more cost effective way of turning energy into heat.
Clothes Dryers
Natural gas might not be the immediate place your mind goes when it comes to drying clothes, however, gas dryers can be an excellent choice. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Outdoor Living
You have to restrict your gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor living, gas is often used for patio lights and cooking and even to heat your spa.
Wow your guests before they even reach the front door with driveway lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get the food cooking outside, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas fire pits set the mood as well as giving comfort for the best indoor-outdoor living.
Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances
With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. First up the pros.
- Gas is generally cheaper than electricity thus lowering your annual power costs.
- Gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them better for your wallet and for the environment.
- Gas is an eco-friendly choice as it is considered the cleanest of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 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 still heat water even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.
Negatives of Gas Home Appliances
- Gas devices usually have a higher initial cost. Both the price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater for a gas appliance when comparing to electrical appliances.
- Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on a number of factors.
- Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay so this should always be added to any cost benefit analysis.
- Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use gas in your home.
Is a Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?
Making the choice between gas and electricity is not always simple and the best choice for you may not be the best decision for everyone.
Currently gas is almost always less expensive than electricity, so if the price is your main driver this can be a major factor in the decision-making process. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, switching to gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.
Another benefit of gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power outages are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power failures can count for a lot.
Finally, the environmental credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical goods. Choosing solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.