Gas Appliances

Considering natural gas home appliances could be a way to lower expenditures while seeing higher levels of comfort and efficiency.

There is a plentiful supply of shale gas in the US meaning that prices per unit are low and stable, and shale gas is viewed as the cleanest non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be regarded as the environmentally responsible option.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are completing a new house you might look at the probable benefits of choosing gas and natural gas home appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Brown Appliance Repair:

What is a Gas Appliance?

A natural gas device employs gas as the primary power source. Natural gas goods offer a viable substitute to electrical appliances.

In many cases gas appliances nonetheless will need an electricity supply but use gas as the major source of power. The quantity electricity needed depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a gas water heater will provide hot water even if the electricity cuts out, whereas a natural gas dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.

Examples of Gas Appliances

Gas can be used for more than heating.

Heating

Keeping yourself warm with natural gas typically costs less than heating your home with electricity. The reduction can be as much as 50% subject to your energy prices and relative efficiency gains.

Natural gas heats the air in less time and is more reliable.This is a huge benefit if you for winter power outages

A Fireplace

Aside from general heating natural gas is great for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and a warm home without the hassle.

Air Conditioning

Natural gas air conditioning can offer an adept method to keep cool, even if there is a power failure.

Gas air conditioning can be more expensive initially but is cheaper to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Superior effectiveness has the added positive impact of cutting your carbon footprint.

Water Heating

There are two types of natural gas water heaters, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are more rapid and more fuel efficient than electric water boilers. Tankless heaters also provide a continuous supply. Invaluable if you have a big household that appreciates long showers.

The fact that natural gas lines are almost always dug into the ground and sheltered from the weather ensures you still have heating even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

Everyone has come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line created to link gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the phrase stuck because it is valid. Most chefs choose natural gas for the ease with which you can vary the temperature, and natural gas stoves provide a less wasteful way of converting energy into heat.

Tumble Dryers

Gas might not be the immediate place your mind goes when it comes to laundry, however, natural gas clothes dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers operate 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 natural gas use to indoor appliances. When it comes to outdoor living, gas is a great power source for patio lights and outdoor cooking and can even be used to heat your spa.

Impress guests before they even reach the front door with outdoor lights, keep them cosy on cool evenings and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric equivalent. And gas fire pits give atmosphere as well as giving comfort for luxurious indoor-outdoor living.

Advantages of Gas Home Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas devices. First up the pros.

Natural gas is generally less expensive than electricity thus lowering your annual power bills.
Gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound option as it is considered the least polluting of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 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 cook even if you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Appliances

Gas devices generally are subject to a higher initial outlay. Both the price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater.
Having a natural gas line installed can be costly. The amount will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also be expensive so this should always be added to any price analysis.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if gas home appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is non-negotiable is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

Making the change between gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you might not be the optimal choice for everyone.

Currently natural gas is almost always less expensive 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, switching to natural gas is expensive. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power outages are common where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can count for a lot.

Lastly, the sustainability credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical devices. Choosing solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be more cost-effective and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.