Looking at natural gas devices could be a good option to reduce your bills while experiencing increases in ease, efficiency and performance.
There is a abundant supply of gas in the United States meaning that equivalent prices are low and stable, and shale gas is looked upon as the cleanest non-renewable energy source, consequently, it can be viewed as the greener choice.
If you already have natural gas installed in your house, or are buying a new dwelling you may wish to consider the likely benefits of natural gas appliances and natural gas home appliances. Read more about gas appliances below from First-Class Duluth Appliance Repair:
What are Natural Gas Home Appliances?
A gas home appliance makes use of natural gas as the main fuel source. These home appliances offer a great alternative for electrical goods for heating your house, providing hot water, cooking food and even cooling your home and drying your clothes.
In most instances gas devices nonetheless require an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the main fuel. The amount of electric used depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a natural gas water heater will work even if the power goes out, whereas a gas clothes dryer still requires electrical components.
A List of Appliances That Run On Natural Gas.
Gas can have any number of purposes in your home.
Proving Heat
Heating your home with gas is typically less expensive than heating with electricity. The reduction can be as high as 50% subject to your energy tariffs and relative efficiency gains.
Gas heats the air more efficiently and is more reliable.
A Fireplace
Apart from general heating natural gas is ideal for a log fire with real flames. With a gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and a focal point without the fuss.
Cooling
Natural gas air conditioning can be an efficient means to keep cool.
Gas air conditioning are often a higher price to begin with but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Higher performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Water Heaters
There are two types of natural gas water heaters, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply.
The fact that natural gas lines are almost always hidden and sheltered from the weather means you will still have heating even when you don’t have electricity.
Cooking Food
Most people have encountered 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 gas for the ease with which you can control the temperature, and gas hobs are also a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.
Tumble Dryers
You might not immediately think of using gas to dry your clothes, however, gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers heat the air a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in less time.
Outdoor Entertaining
Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? Outside, natural gas is often used for patio lights and cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.
Impress your guests before they even reach the front door with driveway lighting, keep them toasty on cool evenings and get a meal prepared outside, when you like, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.
Just like indoor water heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And gas fire pits offer ambiance as well as providing heat for perfect outside living.
Benefits of Gas Home Appliances
As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas home appliances. First up the advantages of choosing Natural Gas.
- Choosing gas will save you money on your utility bills.
- Gas home appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Natural gas is an environmentally responsible option as it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
- Natural gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to cool your home even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.
Negatives of Natural gas Home Appliances
- Natural gas devices usually have a higher initial investment. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be greater for a gas appliance when comparing to electrical goods.
- Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The cost will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home, so it is worth talking to your energy company before deciding.
- Moving or extending a natural gas line can also require a big outlay.
- Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.
Is a Gas Appliance Right for You?
Making the change between gas and electricity is not easy and the right choice for you may not be the optimal choice for everyone.
Currently natural gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the cost 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 natural gas comes at a cost. Thus, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t already have one is a good first step.
Another reason to choose gas is stability of supply. If power failures are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can count for a lot.
Lastly, in environmental terms, while natural gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical devices. Installing renewable energy could be less expensive and more sustainable options in the long run.