Looking at natural gas appliances might be a good option to lower expenditures while seeing increases in comfort, convenience and efficiency.
There is a plentiful supply of shale gas in the United States resulting in low, stable prices, and natural gas is considered the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible option.
If you already have a natural gas line in your home, or are completing a new home you may wish to look at the possible gains of switching to gas and gas home appliances. Read more about gas appliances here from Superior Santa Monica Appliance Repair:
What are Natural Gas Appliances?
A natural gas home appliance runs on gas as the dominant fuel source. These home appliances present a workable alternative to electrically powered home appliances.
In the majority of cases gas home appliances nonetheless will need an electrical outlet but use gas as the main fuel. The amount of electric used depends on how the appliance works. E.g, a gas water heater will still work even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas tumble dryer still relies upon electrical components to make the drum turn.
Types of Natural Gas Home Appliances
Gas has a great many uses in your home.
Heating
Heating your home with natural gas generally costs less than heating your home with electricity. Your outgoings could halve subject to your fuel tariffs and efficiency.
Natural gas makes the air hotter in a shorter time and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being less exposed to the elements than power lines.
A Fireplace
Aside from keeping your home warm 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 mess.
Cooling
Gas air conditioning can be an adept means to keep your home cool.
Natural gas air conditioning requires a higher initial investment but is better value to run and maintain meaning savings in the long term. Superior efficiency also has a positive impact on your carbon footprint.
Heating Water
There are two types of gas water boilers, on demand and tank. Natural gas heaters are quicker and more efficient than electric water boilers. On-demand water heaters also offer a continuous supply.
The fact that gas lines are almost always underground and protected from the elements ensures you can still have hot water even if there’s a power outage.
Preparing Food
Most people have heard the saying “cooking with gas”. A great marketing strategy designed to link the use of natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.
Regardless of the origin the saying is still around because it is accurate. A great many chefs choose natural gas for the ability to vary the temperature, and gas stoves also offer a more cost effective way of converting fuel into heat.
Clothes Dryers
You might not instantly think of using natural gas to dry your clothes, however, gas tumble dryers can be an excellent choice. They heat the air a few degrees hotter thus clothes dry in a shorter time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.
Outdoor Living
Did you know you don’t just have to use gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a popular choice for patio lights and food prep and can even be used to heat your pool.
delight your guests before they even reach the front door with outdoor lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature falls and get food cooked outside at the perfect temperature, when you like, and without the having to go to fill up your propane bottles.
Just like domestic heaters a pool or spa heater will heat the water twice as quickly as an electric equivalent. And gas fire pits set the mood as well as offering heat for the best outside entertaining.
Benefits of Gas Home Appliances
As in all things there are pros and cons to gas appliances. Here are some of the benefits of choosing Natural Gas.
- Choosing gas will reduce your energy bills.
- Gas appliances tend to be more efficient making them financially and environmentally viable.
- Gas is an eco-friendly option as it is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, emitting around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
- Gas supplies are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can continue to heat your home even if you get a power outage.At worst you might need to find a match.
Cons of Gas Appliances
- Gas devices tend to have a higher initial investment. Both the ticket price of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be higher.
- Installing a new gas line can be costly. The price will vary depending on a number of factors.
- Moving or extending a gas line can also be expensive.
- Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas appliances are not properly installed or regularly maintained. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.
Should You Choose Gas?
Making the choice between natural gas and electricity is not easy and the right choice for you might not be the best decision for everyone.
If your main driver is cost natural gas is currently the lower priced fuel. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.
Another benefit of gas is that you are less likely to get interruptions in supply. If power failures happen often where you live then being able to heat water, heat or cool your home and cook during outages can be a huge benefit.
Lastly, the environmental credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources like you can electrical appliances. Installing renewable energy could be a better investment and more eco-friendly options in the long run.