Gas Appliances

Looking at switching to gas home appliances could be an option to lower expenditures while seeing gains in ease, efficiency and performance.

There is a plentiful supply of gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and gas is considered to be the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible choice.

If you already have gas installed in your home, or are completing a new home you might consider the probable gains of choosing gas and gas home appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances here from A&L Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Home Appliances?

A natural gas appliance runs on natural gas as the primary power source. Gas goods present a great alternative for electrical home appliances for heating your living space, providing hot water, cooking food and even cooling your home and laundry.

In most instances gas appliances still require an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the main source of power. The quantity electric used depends on how the appliance works. For example, a natural gas water heater will still work even if the power goes out, whereas a gas tumble dryer still relies upon electricity.

A List of Devices That Run On Gas.

Natural gas isn’t just for cooking.

Keeping You Warm

Heating your home with gas is generally less expensive than heating your home using electrical appliances. Your outgoings could halve subject to your fuel prices and efficiency.

Natural gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and is more reliable.This is a big plus if you if you get power cuts

Fireplaces

Aside from general heating gas is ideal for a fireplace. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get real flames and a warm home without the mess.

Cooling

Gas air conditioning can be an efficient means to cool your home, even if there is a power outage.

Gas air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Better effectiveness also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

Gas water boilers come in two main designs, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than their electric substitutes. Tankless heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand. Handy if you have a big household that indulges in long showers.

The fact that gas lines are almost always underground and protected from the weather ensures you can still have hot water even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking

We’ve all encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line created to link the use of gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the saying is still around because it is accurate. A great many chefs and amateur cooks choose gas for the ability to vary the size of the flame, and gas hobs provide a more cost effective way of turning fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

You might not instantly think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, gas dryers can be an excellent choice. They heat the air at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in a shorter time.

Outdoor Living

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, natural gas is often used for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.

Impress guests before they even get out of the car with driveway lights, keep them warm on cool evenings and get a meal prepared outside, whenever you are ready, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like indoor heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as fast as an electric equivalent. And natural gas fire pits provide atmosphere as well as giving heat for the best outside living.

Advantages of Natural Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to weight up the pros and the cons. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.

Gas is generally cheaper than electricity saving you money on your annual utility costs.
Natural gas appliances tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound selection 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 less likely to get interrupted. This means you can continue to cook even if you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.

Cons of Natural gas Appliances

Gas devices tend to have a higher initial investment. Both the cost of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical appliances.
Installing a new gas line if you don’t already have one can be expensive. The price will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your provider before making a final decision.
Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount so this should always be included in any cost comparisons.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Gas?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not straightforward and the right choice for you may not be the right choice for everyone.

Currently gas is almost always cheaper 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, retrospectively installing 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 cuts are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, in environmental terms, while gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Choosing renewable energy could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.