Thinking about switching to gas appliances might be an option to lower expenditures while seeing higher levels of ease, efficiency and performance.
There is a plentiful supply of shale gas in the United States resulting in low, stable prices, and gas is looked upon as the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be regarded as the environmentally responsible choice.
If you already have a gas line in your house, or are buying a new home you may wish to consider the possible advantages of choosing gas and gas household appliances. Find more information about gas appliances here from Premiere Plantation Appliance Repair:
What are Gas Home Appliances?
A natural gas appliance employs natural gas as the primary fuel source. Gas devices are a practicable alternative for electrically powered appliances.
In the majority of cases natural gas home appliances nonetheless require an electrical outlet but use natural gas as the primary source of power. The quantity electricity needed depends on how the appliance works. E.g, a natural gas water heater will still work even during a power cut, whereas a natural gas clothes dryer still requires electricity to make the drum turn.
A List of Devices That Run On Natural Gas.
Gas can be used for more than heating.
Proving Heat
Providing heat with natural gas is typically less expensive than heating using electrical appliances. The difference can be up to 50% subject to your fuel prices and relative efficiency gains.
Natural gas provides higher air temperatures and is more reliable.
An Indoor Fire
Aside from heating natural gas is perfect for a fireplace. With a natural gas fire, you still get all the ambiance and plenty of warmth without the hassle.
Air Conditioning
Gas air conditioning can be an effective means to keep cool.
Natural gas fueled air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is cheaper to run and maintain meaning a better return on your investment. Superior performance also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Water Heating
There are two styles of gas water heaters, non-tank and tank. Natural gas heaters are faster and more productive than their electric substitutes. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply even with high demand.
The fact that gas lines are almost always underground and protected from the weather ensures you can still have heating even when there’s a power outage.
Cooking
Most people have come across the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing strategy designed to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the etiology the saying has stuck around because it is true. The majority of chefs choose gas for the ability to vary the temperature, and natural gas stoves provide a more cost effective way of turning fuel into heat.
Tumble Dryers
You might not immediately think of using gas in your laundry room, however, gas clothes dryers can be an excellent choice. Gas Dryers operate at a higher temperature thus drying clothes in less time.
Using Natural Gas Outside
Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? Outside, gas is a great power source for patio lights and outdoor cooking and can even be used to heat your pool.
delight friends before they even reach the front door with outdoor lights, keep them toasty even when the temperature falls and get dinner ready outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the worry of remembering to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as fast as an electric heater. And natural gas fire pits set the mood as well as providing heat for the best outside living.
Pros of Gas Appliances
As with anything there are pros and cons to gas devices. First up the benefits.
- Choosing natural gas will save you money on your power bills.
- Natural gas devices tend to use less energy making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an eco-friendly selection as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, contributing around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less carbon dioxide than coal.
- Natural gas lines are generally run underground making supply more reliable. This means you can continue to cool your home even if there’s no electricity supply.
Disadvantages of Gas Home Appliances
- Gas home appliances generally have a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be greater.
- Having a natural gas line installed can be costly. The amount will vary depending on a number of factors.
- Having a natural gas line moved or extended can also be expensive.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a killer if natural gas home appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must is you use natural gas in your home.
Is a Natural Gas Appliance Right for You?
Making the change between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the right choice for you might not be the best choice for everyone.
Currently gas is almost always cheaper than electricity, so if the cost is your main motivation 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 gas, converting to gas is expensive. With this in mind, getting a quote for installing a gas line if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.
Another reason to choose natural gas is reliability of supply. If power outages are common in your area then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during power failures can be a big plus.
Lastly, the environmental credentials of natural gas could be considered as relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Opting for solar panels or a heat pump could be less expensive and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.