Gas Appliances

Looking at gas home appliances could be a way to reduce your bills at the same time as experiencing higher levels of comfort and efficiency.

Natural gas easy to extract in the United States meaning that prices are low and stable, and shale gas is considered the least polluting non-renewable energy source, therefore, it can be regarded as the most eco-friendly option.

If you already have a gas line in your house, or are buying a new house you may wish to think about the potential gains of natural gas home appliances and gas household appliances.

Read more about gas appliances here from All-Pro Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas home appliance uses natural gas as the dominant power source. These goods are a workable substitute for electrical devices.

In general you will still need to supply electricity to a gas appliance. The quantity electric used depends on the type of appliance. For example, a gas water heater will still work even if the power goes out, whereas a gas dryer still needs electricity to make the drum turn.

A List of Appliances That Run On Gas.

Natural gas can have a great many uses in your home.

Heating

Providing heat with gas usually costs less than providing heat using electricity. Your costs could halve subject to your fuel prices and efficiency.

Gas heats the air more quickly and is more reliable.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.

A Fireplace

As well as general heating natural gas is great for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get real flames and a warm home without the fuss.

Cooling Your Home

Natural gas air conditioning can offer an effective method to cool your home.

Natural gas air conditioning requires a greater initial investment but is cheaper on an ongoing basis meaning a better return on your investment. Better efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.

Water Heaters

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

The fact that gas lines are generally hidden and guarded from the elements means you still have the ability to wash even when there’s a power outage.

Cooking

We’ve all come across the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great advertising strategy conceived to link the use of natural gas with effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the etiology the phrase is still around because it is accurate. A great many chefs choose natural gas for the fact that they can vary the heat, and gas ranges also offer a much more efficient way of converting energy into heat.

Tumble Dryers

Natural gas might not be the immediate thing you think of when it comes to laundry, however, gas dryers are a great choice. They operate at a higher temperature thus clothes dry in less time.

Outdoor Entertaining

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

Impress guests before they even get out of the car with outdoor lighting, keep them warm even when the temperature drops and get a meal prepared outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And natural gas outdoor heaters provide atmosphere as well as offering heat for perfect indoor-outdoor living.

Benefits of Natural Gas Home Appliances

With any decision you make it makes sense to investigate the pros and the cons. First up the pros.

Choosing natural gas will save you money on your power bills.
Gas devices tend to use less energy making them a better choice for your wallet and for the environment.
Gas is an environmentally responsible choice as it is considered the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
Gas lines are less exposed to the elements making supply more reliable. This means you can still cook even if the power goes out.At worst you might need to find a match.

Negatives of Gas Home Appliances

Natural gas home appliances generally require a higher initial investment. Both the value of the appliance and the associated installation costs are likely to be more for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical goods.
Installing a new gas line can be expensive. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also require a big outlay.
Safety first! Carbon monoxide can be an issue if gas appliances are not installed correctly or not maintained. Having a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use gas in your home.

Should You Choose Natural Gas?

Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the best choice for you may not be the right decision for everyone.

If your main driver is cost gas is for the time being the cheaper fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have gas, switching to natural gas comes at a cost. Therefore, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another key advantage of natural gas is stability of supply. If power failures happen often where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power cuts can count for a lot.

Finally, in environmental terms, while natural gas appliances are generally more efficient you can’t power them from renewable sources in the same way you can electrical appliances. Choosing solar panels or a heat pump could be more cost-effective and more eco-friendly options in the long run.