Gas Appliances

Thinking about switching to natural gas home appliances could be a way to lower expenditures while experiencing higher levels of comfort and efficiency.

There is a high supply of natural gas in the US meaning that prices are low and stable, and natural gas is relatively the cleanest non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the most eco-friendly alternative.

If you already have natural gas installed in your house, or are building a new dwelling you may wish to look at the probable gains of natural gas appliances and gas home appliances.

Find more information about gas appliances here from McBride Appliance Repair:

What are Natural Gas Home Appliances?

A gas appliance uses gas as the dominant fuel source. These appliances present a great substitute for electrical goods.

Generally you will still need to plug in a gas appliance. The amount of electricity needed will vary from appliance to appliance. E.g, a gas heater can still be used even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still requires electrical components to make the drum turn.

A List of Devices That Operate Using Natural Gas.

Gas could have a great many uses in your home.

Heating

Heating your home with gas is usually less expensive than keeping warm using electrical appliances. Your expenditure could be cut in half depending on your energy costs and relative efficiency gains.

Gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.

A Fireplace

Aside 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 fireplace, you still get that open fire feeling and plenty of warmth without the mess.

Cooling

Gas air conditioning can be an effective means to keep your home cool.

Gas fueled air conditioning could be a higher price initially but is more cost effective on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Superior efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Heating Water

There are two styles of natural gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are faster and more efficient than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply.

The fact that natural gas lines are almost always underground and guarded from the weather means you still have heating even if there’s a power outage.

Cooking

We’ve all encountered the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing line created to link gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the saying is used today because it is true. A great many chefs and home cooks choose natural gas for the ease with which you can vary the temperature, and gas ranges provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Dryers

Natural gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers heat the air at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

You have to restrict your natural gas use to indoor appliances. Outside, natural gas is a great power source for lighting and cooking and even to heat your pool.

delight guests as soon as they arrive with driveway lights, keep them toasty even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the having to go to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas fire pits give atmosphere as well as giving comfort for luxurious outside living.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas appliances. Here are some of the benefits.

Choosing natural gas will save you money on your energy bills.
Gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is viewed as the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less carbon dioxide than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide 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 there’s no electricity supply.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

Natural gas devices usually have a higher initial outlay. Both the cost of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Having a gas line installed if you don’t already have one can be costly. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors, so it is worth talking to your energy company before making any decisions.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also require a big outlay so this should always be added to any cost comparisons.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas appliances are not installed correctly 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 Right for You?

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

Currently gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the price is your main driver 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, retrospectively installing gas is expensive. Therefore, getting a quote for installing a natural gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good first step.

Another benefit of natural gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures happen often in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a huge benefit.

Lastly, the sustainability credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Choosing renewable energy could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.