Gas Appliances

Considering switching to natural gas appliances might be a way to save money at the same time as seeing gains in performance and productivity.

There is a plentiful supply of natural gas in the United States meaning that equivalent prices are low and stable, and gas is viewed as the least polluting fossil fuel, consequently, it can be regarded as the most eco-friendly option.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are building a new dwelling you should think about the possible benefits of natural gas appliances and natural gas appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances below from Halo Appliance Repair:

What are Gas Home Appliances?

A gas home appliance makes use of gas as the primary fuel source. These home appliances present a great alternative for electrically powered devices.

Usually 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 furnace will still operate even when there is a power outage, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still needs electrical components to make the drum turn.

Different Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas could have a great many purposes in your house.

Keeping You Warm

Providing heat with natural gas typically costs less than providing heat using electrical appliances. The reduction can be as much as 50% subject to your energy tariffs 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

An Indoor Fire

As well as heating natural gas is ideal 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 a warm home without the fuss.

Air Conditioning

Gas air conditioning can offer an adept means to keep cool.

Gas fueled air conditioning may be a higher price to begin with but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning lower prices in the long term. Superior performance has the added benefit of lowering your C02 emissions.

Water Heaters

Gas water heaters come in two forms, tank heaters and non-tank or on-demand heaters. Gas heaters are more rapid and more efficient than electric water heaters. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand. Which is useful if you have a big family that appreciates long showers.

The fact that gas lines are almost always hidden and guarded from the weather means you can still have heating even if you don’t have electricity.

Cooking

Most people have heard the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial strategy designed to link natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Clever marketing or not the saying is used today because it is valid. Most chefs and home cooks choose gas for the fact that they can control the size of the flame, and gas hobs also offer a less wasteful way of converting fuel into heat.

Clothes Dryers

Gas might not be the first place your mind goes when it comes to drying clothes, however, gas dryers can be an excellent choice. They operate a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in a shorter time.

Outdoor Entertaining

Gas doesn’t just have indoor uses. Outside, gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your spa.

Impress friends before they even reach the front door with driveway lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your gas bottles.

Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric equivalent. And natural gas patio heaters provide ambiance as well as offering heat for the best outside living.

Advantages of Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to gas home appliances. First up the pros of choosing Natural Gas.

Choosing natural gas will cut your energy bills.
Gas devices tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
Natural gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is the least polluting 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.

Cons of Natural gas Appliances

Gas home appliances generally are subject to a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the installation cost are likely to be more.
Having a gas line installed can be costly. 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.
Having a gas line moved or extended can also cost a considerable amount.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas appliances are not installed correctly or regularly maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the decision between gas and electricity is not always simple and the optimal choice for you may not be the best decision for everyone.

If your main driver is cost natural gas is currently the least expensive fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, switching to gas comes at a cost. Thus, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t currently have gas appliances is a good place to start.

Another key advantage of gas is reliability of supply. If power failures are common in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power failures can be a big plus.

Lastly, the sustainability credentials of gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical appliances. Installing solar panels or a heat pump may turn out to be less expensive and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.